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Smooth Newt


Smooth Newt
Photo Information
Copyright: Ulla Kruys (uleko) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3423 W: 173 N: 3309] (10940)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2011-04-27
Categories: Amphibians
Camera: Canon Powershot SX10 IS
Exposure: f/5.7, 1/50 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2012-02-16 9:43
Viewed: 3707
Points: 32
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Smooth Newt or Common Newt - Lissotriton vulgaris

This is the most common newt species of the Lissotriton genus of amphibians. L. vulgaris is found throughout Europe except the far north, areas of Southern France, and the Iberian peninsula.

Outside the breeding season, male and female Smooth Newts are hard to distinguish - both sexes are of similar size (roughly 10cm head to tail length), and a similar pale brown to yellow colouration. Their main visible differences are two - the male newt has a single black line running down the centre of the spine, the females have two parallel lines either side of the centre.

During the breeding season, one can easily distinguish the sexes - the male is far darker than the female, with a tall wavy and transparent crest along the spine and tail, with dark spots covering the rest of the body, including the stomach area, which is a far more vivid pink or orange than it is in winter and autumn. The female also develops spots, but not on the stomach area, which is paler than the males, and theirs are generally smaller. The female does not develop crests. Smooth Newts have a paddle-like tail for increased swimming speeds.

L. vulgaris is found throughout Europe except the far north, areas of Southern France, and the Iberian peninsula.

All species of newt are protected in Europe. There are laws prohibiting the killing, destruction, and the selling of newts. (Extract from Wikipedia)

I’ve posted a view of the female in the WORKSHOP. Both speciments were captured last summer in a pond in an old sand pit where there were several swimming about in the rather murky water. It was captured from a distance of about 1 ½ metres with the camera handheld.
maaciejka, cobra112, joska, maurydv, CeltickRanger, ramthakur, Miss_Piggy, Jakkals, jusninasirun, Alex99 has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Jakkals: Smooth Newtuleko 1 03-04 06:59
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Ulla,
interesting and unusual photo. Very good point of view. Very interesting note.
Thanks for sharing,
Maciek

Ciao Ulla. An interesting taken for the interesting specie.

Roberto

Ciao Ulla, interesting capture of strange specie, splendid sharpness, fine details and wonderful natural colors, very well done my friend, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • joska Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 806 W: 0 N: 4092] (22535)
  • [2012-02-16 11:20]

Hello Ulla,
Excellent photo of this Tryturus in its habitat, useful description too, TFS!

Hallo Ulla,
a very beautiful capture of the Common Newt, splendid natural colours, excellent point of view and composition
TFS
Best regards
Maurizio

Hello Ulla,
Lovely species and nice picture, Well done.
Have a good time.

Hello Ulla

Difficult photo of a subject under the water,
but excellent presentation with excellent details of its,

TFS

Asbed

A fine capture of the Newt inside the murky water, Ulla.
This comes as a pleasant surprise from your versatile compact camera. Very informative note too on the species.
Thanks for sharing the picture and best regards.
Ram

Hello Ulla
Despite the difficult conditions a beautiful and interesting photo.
Regards,
Christodoulos

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5136 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2012-02-17 7:20]

Hello Ulla,
Nice photo of this Common Newt in natural colours and a good composition. Not an easy subject in this conditions.
Regards,
Peter

a very interesting creature and so beautiful, you are lucky that you saw, very good presentation!
regards Ulla
Nasos

Hello Ulla,
Interesting photo!!! Very good point of view and very interesting note. TFS
Regards, Joao Edgar

Hallo Ulla
Now this is something I have never seen before and which I find very interesting. Your notes too is very educating. What I also find fascinating is the difference in size and shape of the back and front paws. Thanks for sharing. Best regards.
Anna

Hello Ulla,
A Rare capture with nice detail and POV my friend. Well done.
Best regards,
Carl
PS.
I again apologize regarding my comments on your Goosanders (3rd last upload). I should have known better and looked at your camera detail. You have entertained me tremendously, especially with your 2nd last posting. A fantastic exposure.

Hello Ulla.
Great capture for a subject under the water's surface. I have never seen Newt before and this shot is amazing. I am attracted to the shape of the tail.
Thanks and kind regards,
Jusni

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4072 W: 133 N: 7096] (23735)
  • [2012-03-07 4:28]

Hi Ulla.
I have one or two shots of the fish in the water (upper POV) only. Your experience is very nice and pictured species is far more attractive than ordinal fish. WS is also nice and give a good idea about this creatures. My kind regards and TFS.
Alexei.

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