Smooth Newt
Lissotriton vulgaris
Also known as: Common Newt
About This Species
This small European newt breeds in still, vegetated ponds and ditches in spring, when males develop a wavy crest and can be seen displaying to females in shallow water, often at dusk or after dark with a torch. Outside the breeding season it disperses into damp woodland, grassland and gardens, sheltering under logs, stones and leaf litter by day. Pond-dipping or quiet torchlit viewing at the water's edge in April and May gives the best chance of a good look.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Watch from the bank without entering the water, and if using a net or trap follow local guidance and return animals promptly to where they were found.
- This species and its habitat receive some legal protection in parts of its European range, particularly regarding deliberate killing, injury or sale, though the level of protection varies by country, so check national rules before handling or moving individuals.
- Avoid disturbing pond vegetation or removing cover objects newts are sheltering under.
LCAmphibiaCaudataSalamandridae
Seasonal Activity
243,966 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Amphibia
- Order
- Caudata
- Family
- Salamandridae
Photo
(c) Vit Lukas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Vit Lukas
CC-BY-NC-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.