Great Crested Newt

Triturus cristatus

The great crested newt (Triturus cristatus), also known as the warty newt, is the largest European newt reaching up to 17 cm. Breeding males develop a spectacular jagged crest along the back and tail, with a dark brown to black warty skin above and a vivid orange belly with black blotches. Found across Europe from the UK to western Siberia, it inhabits ponds, lakes, and slow-moving ditches at depths of 0 to 2 meters. This species spends most of the year on land under logs and in burrows, returning to water from March to June for breeding. Males perform elaborate courtship dances, waving their crests and releasing pheromones. Strictly protected under European law, encountering one during a pond dive or snorkel is a privilege. Its dramatic crest and vivid belly coloring make it one of Europe's most impressive amphibians.