As we approach the end of summer our newt larvae will absorb their gills and depending on their development, will start to leave the water as ‘newtlets’ or efts in August. Great crested newt larvae are the biggest of our newt species, reaching lengths of 50-90cm before metamorphosis.
Great Crested newt larvae, palmate newt larvae and smooth newt larvae develop better in warmer waters as metamorphosis can happen faster. Indeed, cooler conditions and shaded ponds mean that larvae develop slower. In terms of what larvae eat when they are developing, they eat amphibian larvae and a variety of aquatic invertebrates, yum!
However, some newts will decide to overwinter as larvae and develop in the following year. Adult newts can still be seen in and around ponds searching for, and hunting for food in August.
From September onwards, our newts will be seeking shelter and somewhere to overwinter during the autumn and winter months.
If you have spotted any newt larvae or newtlets, make sure to record them on our Dragon Finder App!