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Newt larvae: |
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janew Member Joined: 28 Mar 2003 No. of posts: 7  View other posts by janew |
Posted: 27 Jun 2003 Well! It seems that we have newts in our "pond" as well as many many common frogs! I spotted at least two larval newts this afternoon when I was froglet watching. How do I tell whether they are palmate or smooth newts, or is this impossible? Also, will they be ok? I assume they travelled with the tadpoles/spawn when I rescued it, but the pond is only supposed to be temporary (a large paddling pool with a few rocks and loads of plants), while the froglets grow, then we were going to build a permanent pond later this year. I didn't know we'd got newts too!! Help anyone??? |
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Caleb Forum Coordinator Joined: 17 Feb 2003 No. of posts: 448 View other posts by Caleb |
Posted: 27 Jun 2003 I'm afraid it's not possible to distinguish smooth newt and palmate newt larvae from their appearance. When they metamorphose and leave the water, young smooth newts usually have orange bellies, palmate newts' bellies are more yellow or brown. They should be OK as long as there are plenty of tiny animals for them to eat, such as water fleas (Daphnia/ Cyclops). There should be plenty of these if you have good plant growth. They will need to leave the water eventually, so you should make sure they are able to climb out. If you have got steep sides and are just using rocks that stick out of the water, it's best to put the rocks next to the edge, so that they'll eventually find them no matter which way they swim. Hope that helps! |
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Mike Senior Member Joined: 15 Feb 2003 No. of posts: 74  View other posts by Mike |
Posted: 27 Jun 2003 Untill we got the grass growing to the edge of our pond I placed a weighted plank in the pond up to the edge so that the young frogs and newts had a way out. Once yo get the pond made and stabilised you will be amazed at what arrives. Don't forget to somehow segregate or surround the pond from young children if you have any. Mike. Brickfields Park FREE 25th Anniversary Funday, 4th July 2010. Wildlife, Farm Animals, games, quizzes, refreshments and more. Fun for all. See - http://www.brickfieldspark.org/dates.htm |
- Newt larvae |