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What is it?: |
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martinfitzuk Member Joined: 16 Aug 2009 No. of posts: 6  View other posts by martinfitzuk |
Posted: 16 Aug 2009 When clearing part of our garden, I came across several reptiles. Not having a clue about them, I wondered if someone could help me identify them please? They are about an inch and a half long. They are a beautiful dappled blue/ black back with a slightly raised ridge running down its back. This slight ridge contains a little bit of orange. The front toes also contain some orange. Their tummies are almost completely orange. Looking forward to hearing back from somebody. Many thanks |
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martinfitzuk Member Joined: 16 Aug 2009 No. of posts: 6 View other posts by martinfitzuk |
Posted: 16 Aug 2009 I have photographs of them if this will aide identification. |
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Iowarth Admin Group Joined: 12 Apr 2004 No. of posts: 222 View other posts by Iowarth |
Posted: 16 Aug 2009 Hi Martin While I could hazard an educated guess as to what they are, photographs always help and are always welcome. You can upload a digital shot simply by clicking the image upload button (last button in the first row above), browse to the image on your PC and click OK. All the best Chris Chris Davis, Site Administrator Co-ordinator, Sand Lizard Captive Breeding Programme |
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martinfitzuk Member Joined: 16 Aug 2009 No. of posts: 6 View other posts by martinfitzuk |
Posted: 16 Aug 2009 Thanks for the quick response Chris:  
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kevinb Senior Member Joined: 18 Mar 2009 No. of posts: 61 View other posts by kevinb |
Posted: 16 Aug 2009 Looks like an Alpine newt |
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Paul Hudson Member Joined: 24 Sep 2004 No. of posts: 33 View other posts by Paul Hudson |
Posted: 16 Aug 2009 Hi ,Most defintely an alpine newt ,a young male , Which county was it found in just out of interest ? Paul Hudson |
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martinfitzuk Member Joined: 16 Aug 2009 No. of posts: 6 View other posts by martinfitzuk |
Posted: 16 Aug 2009 Leicestershire. I don't know a thing about them. Are they common in Leicestershire? |
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martinfitzuk Member Joined: 16 Aug 2009 No. of posts: 6 View other posts by martinfitzuk |
Posted: 16 Aug 2009 On another forum in which I posted the same question and pictures, someone has said they are great crested. Is there any chance they could be great crested? |
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Iowarth Admin Group Joined: 12 Apr 2004 No. of posts: 222 View other posts by Iowarth |
Posted: 16 Aug 2009 Hi Martin I am not aware of any previous records in Leicestershire - although I do stand to be corrected on this issue. As an alien species they are almost always the result of escapes from captivity, and, sadly, on occasion deliberate (and for nearly 20 years, illegal) releases. Once established they can become locally common but across the UK as a whole they would be regarded as very rare. So far as the other forum is concerned they might be regarded as being similar to Great Crested by someone not very familiar with either species. But, a Great Crested Newt's colouration is black with white stippling and its underside is heavily blotched in black.Additionally they are considerably larger. Basically, to the knowledgeable eye they are totally different. Regards Chris Chris Davis, Site Administrator Co-ordinator, Sand Lizard Captive Breeding Programme |
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martinfitzuk Member Joined: 16 Aug 2009 No. of posts: 6 View other posts by martinfitzuk |
Posted: 16 Aug 2009 Many thanks for all your help and knowledge |
- What is it? |