Crested newt comes to take a look by Michelle Peeters

About "Crested newt comes to take a look"

by Michelle Peeters

About the artwork

The crested newt or great newt (Triturus cristatus) is a salamander in the family true salamanders (Salamandridae). The crested newt is one of the most widespread species in Europe. In almost all countries where it occurs, the species is declining in number and distribution. The amphibian is considered vulnerable in the Netherlands and Belgium and is therefore on the Dutch Red List (amphibians) and the Flemish A-list of protected animals. Internationally, however, the salamander is considered non-threatened by the IUCN. The name crested newt refers to the high, toothed tail crest that males develop during the mating season. The species name cristatus also refers to this and means comb-forming. With a length of up to 20 centimetres, the crested newt is one of the largest salamanders in Europe and the largest newt in the Netherlands and Belgium. Only the elm, fire salamander and ribbed newt can grow even longer. Notable is its grainy, wart-like skin, especially on the flanks and underside of the head. The basic colour is dark grey or dark brown to black, with dark to black, round spots on the flanks. In very dark-coloured specimens, the spots disappear against the background. On the flanks of the body and head, white speckles are often present at the bottom, especially in males, which increase in number towards the bottom. The abdomen is orange and has many round to more jagged black spots that vary from one individual to another. In field surveys, photographs of the abdomen are taken to distinguish the animals individually.