Palmate Newt

Latin name: Lissotriton helveticus

Size: 7-9cm

Lifespan: up to 10 years

Diet: Aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, frog spawn and occasional tadpole.

Habitat: Upland areas, heaths, and moorlands in shallow pools on acidic soils they hibernate underground, among tree roots and in old walls.

Did you know? During the breeding season (March – July) palmate males put on an elaborate courtship display to attract females. Palmate newts can tolerate drier conditions than other native newts and can be found further from water.

Palmate newts hibernate in winter, but from March to October they are a widespread species found throughout the UK, except for the Scottish islands, Isles of Scilly and Northern Ireland.