Smooth Newt (Lissotriton vulgaris)

The Smooth Newt, also known as the Common, European, or Northern newt, is a relatively small newt that you might find in your garden pond or a nearby bog or woodland area. They eat insects, slugs, worms, tadpoles, and even small crustaceans like shrimps. Their skins are dry when they are on land, and were originally thought to be Lizards before being classified as a member of the Lissotriton genus, or newt. They get their name for the smooth texture of their skin, which changes when they move into the water to breed. Smooth Newts are nocturnal, and can usually be seen in the spring and summer months.