Larval newts overwintering in pond

[morg]

How common is it for Triturus vulgaris larvae to miss morphing on time, and overwinter in the larvel stage?
While cleaning leaves from my garden pond I noticed some very small larvae, that have not even started to lose the gills.
Each year I get frog tadpoles overwintering in the pond, and was just wondering if it is also common in newts.

 

[neil]

I've experienced this with both T.helveticus and T.alpestris (secure outdoor enclosure). I have always presumed it is caused by either late spawning in the North of England and/or low food supply in the pond. They then seem to morph late spring at a larger size than those morphing the same year as hatching.

 

[morg]

I am looking into building an outdoor enclosure,how did you design yours?
Is it a large brick walled enclosure,wooden, or something else.
Have you had any problems at all, with newts getting out, or anything else getting in?

 

[neil]

It's an old brick base from a greenhouse. I incorporated an overhang made from reclaimed roofing slates. To avoid predation from magpies and cats its covered with netting. I could not be 100% sure that its totally escape proof though.