The great crested newt (Triturus carnifex) is not only the largest of all three species of newts living in Slovenia, but also the largest European newt. Adults measure from 10 to 18 cm in total length, with exceptional individuals reaching up to 25 cm.
Like other newts, the great crested newt also has a laterally flattened tail and an inconspicuous parotoid gland on the nape. Its yellow-orange belly is speckled with irregular, dirty-brown spots. For this species, a dark throat dotted with numerous small white spots is characteristic! The flanks and the dorsal part of the body of the great crested newt are dirty brown and marked with even darker spots. For females and juvenile individuals, there is a continuous yellowish stripe that runs along the midline of the back from head to tail.
Females and males differ most during the mating season. At that time the male develops a distinctly jagged, skin-covered dorsal crest that runs from the head to the beginning of the tail, separated from it by a pronounced notch. For the male at this time there is also a silver-white stripe along the side of the tail, which plays an important role during courtship. The mating of great crested newts takes place at night, and the male deposits a sperm packet only after the female touches his tail. This is visible precisely because of the bright stripe on it.
The great crested newt is widespread throughout Slovenia, but relatively rare everywhere. Its habitat includes temporary or permanent standing water as well as slow-flowing waters. It generally avoids water bodies with fish, as its free-swimming larvae are easy prey for these crafty predators.
In addition to water, for life it also needs meadows and hedgerows with enough hiding places, for example fallen logs or larger stones. In addition, it must have enough food available. In water these are insect larvae or various crustaceans, such as water fleas or water lice; on land, it preys mainly on earthworms and snails.
They overwinter on land, up to a kilometer away from the water body in which they mate. The first individuals reach the breeding site as early as the end of February or early March, and in the water they remain until June, in some places even all year. Adults are nocturnally active animals; during the day they stay at the bottom of the water and only rise to the surface to breathe air. The male at the breeding site establishes a territory, in which he courts females and drives away rivals. After mating, the female individually wraps each egg in a leaf of an aquatic plant, where the larvae develop from them.
The great crested newt is protected in Slovenia and, as a vulnerable (V) species, is listed on the Red List!
