Palmate Newt
Lissotriton helveticus
UK Green ListModerate📍 Lakeland ponds
Season
March to September in water. Terrestrial rest of year.
Best time of day
Dusk. Or torch at night.
Lake District
Ponds. Tarns. Acid water. The fells. Grizedale. That filament on tail. Male. Webbed feet. Smaller than smooth newt. Common in upland ponds.
UK population
Widespread. Prefers acid water.
Overview
Palmate newts like acid water. The fells. Grizedale. That filament on tail. Male. Webbed feet. Smaller than smooth newt. Common in upland ponds. Torch at night. Net with care.
At a Glance
| Order | Caudata |
| Family | Salamandridae |
| Habitat | Ponds · Tarns · Acid water |
| Diet | Aquatic invertebrates. Tadpoles. |
| UK population | Widespread. Prefers acid water. |
| Lake District | Ponds. Tarns. Acid water. The fells. Grizedale. That filament on tail. Male. Webbed feet. Smaller than smooth newt. Common in upland ponds. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Ponds, tarns. Acid water. The fells, Grizedale. That filament on tail. Male. Webbed feet. Smaller than smooth newt.
Identification
Small. Filament on tail. Male. Webbed feet. Acid water. Smaller than smooth newt.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Acid ponds. The fells. Torch at night. That filament. Male. Webbed feet.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.