Need identification

[PaulUK]

Hi folks,
Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong area, but I couldn't find anywhere that appears to fit. While out in the gardening this afternoon, I almost cut this poor little fellow in half with a spade! I'm trying to identify it but so far a prolonged search of the internet hasn't really helped much. Can anyone help at all? Please????

 

[Brian M]

Hi paul that looks like a Notophthalmus meridionalis (common name is black spotted newt). Their a cousin of the red spotted newt native to the eastern united states...thats a more common newt in the trade which you should be able to look up for captive care. If i'm right on the id its rather rare and native to southern texas and northeastern mexico. If it was not captive breed most likely collected in mexico since they are protected in texas.

 

[PaulUK]

Thanks for the help, Brian, but I suspect that I'm a little far away from Texas and Mexico! Having done some more digging I'm starting to suspect it's actually a Palmate Newt, however I'm still not 100% sure.

 

[Greatwtehunter]

Sure looks like a member of the Lissotriton genus but I can't say for sure much past that, maybe some form of vulgaris.

 

[Nathan050793]

I'm starting to suspect it's actually a Palmate Newt, however I'm still not 100% sure.

I'd say you're right; looks like Lissotriton helveticus, the Palmate newt.

 

[Bellabelloo]

I agree also that it is a palmate newt.

 

[PaulUK]

Thanks for the help guys! Glad to know it's a local and not someone's escaped pride and joy.

 

[Azhael]

Two options, it´s either Lissotriton vulgaris, or Lissotriton helveticus.
I´d personally say helveticus for the shape of the body, but they are very similar so it´s not always easy to distinguish.