Topic: Newts...........again!

[Mrs Ava]

I know I keep on about the newts on my number 2 plot, but whilst digging today, managed to dig up another 2 little amphibians and both were different.



This fella is short and dumpy, very black in colour but with a bright orange belly and soles of feet.



This critter is very different, much more lizard like.  Long, slimg and brown in colour with quite obvious scales.

Any newt experts?

They were both hidden back in the ground once I had taken their snaps but I can almost guarantee that when I next do my digging, they will be back!

[sandersj89]

Emma

I think the top one is a Palmate Newt, the second is not a newt but a sand lizzard.

Jerry

[Mrs Ava]

ooooooo Jerry that is exciting, a lizard!  I am guessing they are good, like my slow worm population for keeping sluggies under control.  I turn up at least one of each almost every time I start digging and the slow worms I can find under every piece of old carpet or rotting wood.

[sandersj89]

Yep, very good, they will eat adult slugs as well as any eggs they find, same as the slow worm.

I get slow worms on the allotment but not at home. There I get toads who do a good job as well.

The big excitement last year was finding a pair of doormice at home.

Jerry