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Quick answer
The smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) is Europe's most widespread newt, breeding in ponds and ditches from the UK across the continent into western Asia. Adults are carnivorous on invertebrates, return to water each spring, and are listed Least Concern — still common in many UK gardens.
Top questions about the Smooth Newt
Smooth Newt facts at a glance
- Weight 3 g
- Length 10 cm
- Top speed 1 km/h
- Lifespan 6 years
| Scientific name | Lissotriton vulgaris |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (invertebrates) |
| Habitat | Ponds, ditches, and damp meadows |
| Lifespan | Around 6 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 0.003 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 1 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Urodela |
| Family | Salamandridae |
| Genus | Lissotriton |
Where it lives
The smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) is native to Ponds and damp grassland across Europe into western Asia; common in UK gardens. — recorded across Europe, Asia in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a smooth newt?
An adult smooth newt measures 10 cm long — about 6% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 3 g, a small fraction of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of smooth newts called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Smooth Newts is called a colony.
Baby name
A baby Smooth Newt is called an eft.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Crested spring males
In breeding season males grow a continuous wavy crest and spotted belly patterns used in underwater courtship dances. Outside breeding they live on land under logs and stone, looking like small lizards with moist skin.
Pond invertebrates
Aquatic adults and larvae eat water fleas, insect larvae, worms, and tiny crustaceans. On land they take slugs, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Europe's garden ponds
Ponds, ditches, and damp meadows across Europe into western Asia. UK garden ponds without fish are important breeding sites. Across its range it is tied to ponds, ditches, and damp meadows, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
Fish ponds and pollution
Least Concern overall, but stocking ponds with fish, filling ditches, and agricultural runoff remove breeding habitat. Leaving a fish-free pond with gently sloping edges helps local newts.
Explore the Smooth Newt
Related Amphibians
Range & geography
Conservation status of the Smooth Newt
The smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
The smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Smooth Newt
Do smooth newts live in garden ponds?
Yes — fish-free UK and European garden ponds are important breeding sites.
What is an eft?
"Eft" often refers to the terrestrial juvenile stage of newts; smooth newt young leave the water after metamorphosis to live on land.
How do male smooth newts attract females?
They perform a courtship display, vibrating the tail and showing the crest and belly spots while releasing pheromones.
Are smooth newts protected in the UK?
They receive some legal protection against sale and certain harm; common but still safeguarded under wildlife law.
When do smooth newts breed?
Mainly in spring, when adults migrate back to ponds for courtship and egg-laying.
What is a group of smooth newts called?
A group of Smooth Newts is called a colony.
What is a baby smooth newt called?
A baby Smooth Newt is called an eft.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Smooth Newt:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Lissotriton vulgaris.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Lissotriton vulgaris. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Lissotriton vulgaris. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
