The smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), also known as the common newt, is found in most of Europe. Newts are amphibians, breeding in ponds during the spring and spending most of the rest of the year feeding on invertebrates in woodland, hedgerows, marshes and tussocky grassland. They hibernate over winter – underground, among tree roots and in old walls. The smooth newt is also known as the 'common newt' and is the species you are most likely to find in your garden pond. Smooth newts eat insects, caterpillars, worms and slugs while on land, and crustaceans, molluscs and tadpoles when in the water. They are most active during the night. Newts have the ability to regenerate limbs, eyes, spinal cords, hearts, intestines, and upper and lower jaws.
