Log in Register

Male alpine newt in breeding colouration

In the breeding season males has vivid colours.

(Photo: Judit Vörös)

Male ALPINE NEWTs are usually 8 cm, while the females may reach 12 cm. The back of the male is bluish or slate-grey, sometimes with a mottled pattern. During the breeding season the males develop a 1.5-2 mm tall edge along their back, which is yellowish white with regular rows of black dots. On the sides there is a longitudinal stripe of the same colouration as the dorsal edge, under this stripe the sides are azure. The belly is orange without any pattern. The back of the female is greenish, light or darker grey, mottled. It has no dorsal edge and its ventral colouration is similar to that of the males.

Distibution map by our National Herpetological Mapping Program:

Alpine newt male

Both males and females have a light stripe along their backbone.

(Photo: Judit Vörös)

Alpine newt male

The vivid blue stripe whit black spots is clearly visible at the side of males.

(Photo: Judit Vörös)

Female alpine newt

The dorsal side of females is greenish, light or darker grey with a mottled pattern.

(Photo: Judit Vörös)

A pair of alpine newt

In the breeding season sexual dimorphism is more pronounced.

(Photo: Judit Vörös)

Male alpine newt in breeding colours

In the breeding season males has a vivid colouration.

(Photo: Gábor Szelényi)

Female alpine newt

With a characteristic mottled pattern.

(photo: Gábor Szelényi)

Male alpine newt in its breeding colouration

In the breeding season males has a vivid blue stripe along their side.

(Photo: Gábor Szelényi)

Alpine newt larva

The mottled pattern is already visible on the larvae of alpine newt.

(photo: Tibor Sos)

Male alpine newt

In spring they can be found in temporary water bodies as well.

(Photo: Ákos Baracsy)