Palmate newt

Palmate newts are confined to Western Europe, but are absent from Ireland. It is said that the name ‘palmate’ is derived from of the appearance of the newt’s feet, the skin between its toes looking like the palm of a hand. They hibernate from November to late February/March, usually beneath stones or compost heaps, although young adults may hibernate in the mud of pond beds. On coming out of hibernation they migrate over land to breeding sites. The 8mm-long larvae hatch within two to three weeks and metamorphose to become air-breathing juveniles after six weeks.

How to identify UK amphibians.


More...