Smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris vulgaris)

[michael]

Cool beans. I agree with Ed. I'd slowly introduce them to water. They will probably breed this winter.

 

[Molch]

I was thinking about getting them through the cold dark part of winter in the current setup and than maybe by late January or so putting them in a setup that contains a shallow water part with lots of plants.

Does that sound like a good plan? Suggestions welcome

 

[rethgar]

Sounds good to me, more or less mirroring natural terrestrial/aquatic movement opportunities should encourage them to make the leap.

 

[Molch]

an update: The three largest ones (2 males and a female) are now in the water. The males (both 7 cm) are developing their first low crest and there's even a bit of shy and fumbly tail-fanning. The female (6cm) doesn't seem to know what to make of it though .

A second female showed signs of a possible nutritional deficiency but is now doing a bit better; she's off by herself in another aquatic setup (see here).

I have 2 more which are much smaller and still terrestrial.

male # 1

male # 2

some hesitant tail-fanning

 

[otolith]

Looking good! I have a group of 6 L. v. ampelensis that are now about 5-6cm. How did you go about transitioning them to aquatic life? My male has a small crest developing and two of the females are huge. I'm thinking they might be ready for water but don't want to stress them out too much.

 

[Molch]

I started with just a shallow water bowl in their tub, maybe 1.5 inches of water. One of the males went in right away and stayed there. The other male went in here and there but then went back on land, and the female showed no interest.
After some time, I put them in the current tank, but it has a large island with moss and hideouts. The 2 males went in the water and the female sat on the island for about a week and then joined the boys.

 

[Azhael]

Aaaawwww...they are lovely, Molch
I´m very glad the female pulled through and is doing fine, that´s great news.
I love this species....it´s terribly underapreciated.

 

[Molch]

another month on, the boys' crests have reached their full glory. The female is getting pretty plump, too. There's tail fanning. But considering they are so young (boys ca. 1.5 yrs, female 1 yr) and small (boys 7 cm, female 6 cm) I don't think there'll be any eggs yet. I think they're practising for next year

pics are the bit blurry because those daft newts won't ever sit still long enough for a pic..

 

[Neotenic_Jaymes]

AMAZING! You've done a great job with them. I wish this species would become more available in the hobby.

 

[megs]

Well its funny to see someone who treats this species as an exotic species. They are the most common caudate in Denmark where I live. In my old garden I had around 12 garden ponds and after living there for two years they arrived and back then I lived in farmland though not very intensely used. Slowly they spread to all the ponds. I use to catch some of them to watch their behavior in aquariums and I really enjoy this species! Now I live up to old heathland and I have snakes instead of caudates outside. However, last fall hunting for food in the forest for my captive salamanders and newts I found one vulgaris under some moss inside the forest. Its was a surprise as it was young and there was at least 1,5 km to the nearest possible breeding pond.
They can sure take cold, we had around minus 24C last winter.

Martin

 

[Azhael]

Gorgeous! I love this species
Mine didn´t go on breeding mode this year, they entered the water but didn´t develop at all. It´s been a very weird year....

Prepare yourself for next year, Molch, the vulgaris invassion will commence.

 

[Yahilles]

I really love vulgaris, but they're native here, so i can't keep them under any terms :/

 

[Jakub T]

They are one of my favourite species of newts.

 

[michael]

Now that you have the cool pictures have you keyed them out to be certain they are L. vulgaris vulgaris?

I'm pretty sure they are but am just going on what I was told.

 

[Mark]

I'm no expert but I would say L. v. vulgaris based on the lack of caudal filament.

 

[Molch]

Now that you have the cool pictures have you keyed them out to be certain they are L. vulgaris vulgaris?

I'm pretty sure they are but am just going on what I was told.

not sure - is there a key somewhere to fiddle out subspecies? Also, do you know where their wild ancestors originated from?

They sure look just like the ones I remember seeing in the wild as a kid. I just love 'em, they are so gorgeous. Every morning when the lights go on in their tank, the two males put on a dance-and wag show for the female.

 

[cyclops]

Richard Griffiths' Newts and Salamanders of Europe describes some of the physical differences and the geographic ranges of the subspecies.. I'll see if I can find an article reference in the book's bibliography.

 

[raptor86]

Hello!!! Great looking newts you have there, but I think L.vulgaris ampelensis is more beautifull, i've seen the biggest crests on them, plus the crest is continued on the head.

 

[michael]

I got the vulgaris vulgaris from a friend of mine that lives at Chalfont, Pa. He is the same guy I got the vulgaris ampelensis from. He has always been meticulous and paid close attention to detail. He told me he got them from a guy on the salamander forum. I have no local info. I decided to work only with vulgaris ampelensis to be certain of what I have. I'm certain they did not get mixed up but if I had both kinds for a long time the potential was there.

"Reptiles and Amphibians of Europe" by Arnold and Ovenden goes into some of the differences of subspecies.

 

[Molch]

Hello!!! Great looking newts you have there, but I think L.vulgaris ampelensis is more beautifull, i've seen the biggest crests on them, plus the crest is continued on the head.

aha - interesting. Since these don't have the crest on the head, that would indicate they are indeed vulgaris, no?