The palmate newt can often be confused with the smooth newt, however, it does have some very slight differences in both behaviour and appearance. They favour shallower pools on acidic soil and so are more likely to be found near coastal areas or on heathlands. The males growing distinctive black webbing on their hind feet and a filament on the end of their tails during the mating season. The palmate is the smallest of all our native newts, with a peachy-yellow underside with some spots on its belly but not as prominent as the smooth newt.