When in the water it appears a paler orangey brown skin, with dark blotches.
Scotland’s largest and rarest newt, with a very dark, brown or even black, granular skin, when seen on land.
Discover more about the Great Crested Newt
When to see
It hibernates between October and March. Out of the breeding season adults may be seen on land in damp areas. In the breeding season from March to June, males have an iridescent stripe along the tail and a striking jagged crest running down the back and tail with a distinctive dip between each. The underbelly ranges from red through to yellow, with dark spots. Females are generally larger and have an orange to yellow underbelly, extending under the tail.
Where to see
It is a fairly aquatic newt found in larger ponds throughout its active period. Its main range is south of a line between the Forth and the Clyde. It is only found in a small area of the Highland region from the south of Inverness into Badenoch & Strathspey.
Did you know?
Its range has been severely decreased due to habitat loss. This species is protected and should not be handled or disturbed without a licence, issued by Scottish Natural Heritage.
When to see
It hibernates between October and March. Out of the breeding season adults may be seen on land in damp areas. In the breeding season from March to June, males have an iridescent stripe along the tail and a striking jagged crest running down the back and tail with a distinctive dip between each. The underbelly ranges from red through to yellow, with dark spots. Females are generally larger and have an orange to yellow underbelly, extending under the tail.
Where to see
It is a fairly aquatic newt found in larger ponds throughout its active period. Its main range is south of a line between the Forth and the Clyde. It is only found in a small area of the Highland region from the south of Inverness into Badenoch & Strathspey.
Did you know?
Its range has been severely decreased due to habitat loss. This species is protected and should not be handled or disturbed without a licence, issued by Scottish Natural Heritage.
When to see
It hibernates between October and March. Out of the breeding season adults may be seen on land in damp areas. In the breeding season from March to June, males have an iridescent stripe along the tail and a striking jagged crest running down the back and tail with a distinctive dip between each. The underbelly ranges from red through to yellow, with dark spots. Females are generally larger and have an orange to yellow underbelly, extending under the tail.
Where to see
It is a fairly aquatic newt found in larger ponds throughout its active period. Its main range is south of a line between the Forth and the Clyde. It is only found in a small area of the Highland region from the south of Inverness into Badenoch & Strathspey.
Did you know?
Its range has been severely decreased due to habitat loss. This species is protected and should not be handled or disturbed without a licence, issued by Scottish Natural Heritage.
OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES
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Registered Company No: 303299 | Registered address: Wild Scotland, Suite 212, 8 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EA