Great Crested Newt
Triturus cristatus
Length 14cm

Our largest newt and also the most local; the legal protection it is afforded reflects its uncommon status. Widespread but extremely local in mainland Britain but absent from Ireland. Favours large, weedy ponds and small lakes; sometimes in dew ponds a considerable distance from other water bodies. Breeding male is striking with ragged crest down back, smoky-grey, dark-spotted flanks and orange, black-spotted belly. Female lacks crest but is otherwise similar. Like other newts, spawns in spring but often remains in water throughout year.