Smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris)

Bio

The smooth newt is the most likely newt you will spot visiting your garden pond. As with all British species of amphibians the smooth newt will got to ponds to breed in spring, before living largely on land for the rest of the year. The males develop a crest in the spring and has an orange belly with dark spots, whilst the females lack crests and have a much paler body. Like all British newts, the male performs a courtship dance, waving his tail to entice a female. Although they coop up for the winter the smooth newt does not hibernate. Instead it may still capitalise on warmer spells when it will come out to forage.