British amphibians

Northern Great crested newts

Great crested newts are Britain’s largest newt species. Although now afforded some legal protection in the UK, populations have declined over recent years as a result of the destruction and fragmentation of their habitat. The great crested newts we get here in Britain are acutly a sub-species of great crested newts so the proper name for them is northen great crested newts. Because of habitat loss the great crested newts are now protected by law. They can be found in many different habitats such as lakes, rivers, ponds, streems, marshes and mangroves.




by arthur
                                                          Smooth newts

The smooth or common newt (Triturus vulgaris) is Britain's most widespread newt Both males and females have greenish-brown upperparts, with a whitish belly and cheeks and an orange streak on the belly, which is more pronounced in males. The body is covered in black spots, which are larger and more obvious in males than females. Furthermore, during the breeding season males develop an impressive crest that extends from the head to the tail, as well as flaps of skin on the toes. In general, females are much more dull in colour and patterning than males. They are nine subspecies of smooth newts in britain.

A female smooth newt

by arthur

Palmate newts

The smallest British amphibian, the palmate newt (Triturus helveticus) earns its English name from the strongly webbed hind feet that males develop during the breeding season. Both sexes have smooth skin, with olive green or brownish coloured upperparts and a yellow belly featuring a scattering of small black spots. The throat is not spotted and is pinkish in colour. Males are slightly smaller than females and have a 'boxy' appearance as a result of two ridges that pass along the back. In addition to the webbed feet, they also develop a very low, smooth crest during the rainy season.

  Common Frog  

                                                              

The Common frog is pretty much your everyday frog comfortable on land and in water, the stereo typical frog will feed on flies which is actually pretty accurate, their main diet does consist of flies, snails, worms and slugs. Full-grown frogs grow on average 6-9cm. They are common in practically all of Europe and can be seen all year round. as long as your close to rivers and ponds. The Females are usually larger than males. And they have an average life span of 7-8 years. 

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by tom 2