Newt
Newt Introduction:
The newt is a small amphibian, and the average newt only tends to grow to around 15cm long. Some newts however are bigger or smaller depending on the species.
The newt is found naturally in North America, Europe and Asia and is thought to be a subspecies of the salamander. A newt tends to lay its eggs individually and normally finding ponds or slow-moving streams to do it. The individual newt eggs attach themselves to aquatic plants and hatch in about three weeks.
The main difference between newt eggs and frog or toad eggs is that the eggs of the newt are laid individually and are attached to plants. Frog and toad eggs float close to the surface of the water and are usually found in big clumps, where there are often hundreds of eggs together.
The newt tadpoles have a slight resemblance to baby fish, other than the fact that they have feathered external gills. The baby newt will grow legs during the first few months, at which time, the baby newt will be able to explore both water and land.
The newt is generally a solitary animal, but some species are known to hibernate in groups. Newts generally come together during the mating season which tends to take place in early spring.
People commonly keep Fire-Bellied Newts, Paddle-Tail Newts and Crocodile Newts as pets. The newt is seen as a good pet to keep its small and quiet, like the Great Crested Newt native to Europe who can live up to 27 years old.
Keywords to learn
External: Belonging to or forming the outer surface or structure of something.
Tumor: a swelling of a part of the body, generally without inflammation, caused by an abnormal growth of tissue, whether benign or malignant.

About Me:
Hey Kids, my name is Nevada the Newt and I am very happy to meet you. Learn more about me and my species @ www.kids.nationalgeographic.com

Key Newt Data:
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Order:Caudata.
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Lifespan:2-27 years.
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Class:Lissamphibia.
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Scientific Name:Lissotriton Vulgaris.
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Mass:10-50g (0.3-1.8oz).
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Length:5-15cm (1.7-5.9in).
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Region found:North America, Europe and Asia.
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Population Status:Least Concern.
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Current population trend:Decreasing.
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Diet:Omnivorous.
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Sexual maturity:6 months- 4 years.
Newt’s are a common creature so they should be for the most part be common to where you live. If not, you are a little unlucky as these guys are great, and are also great as pets, as they are small and easy to keep. That is the ones that are not toxic, so be careful if you are getting one as a pet!!
Now that you know more about the Newt by learning the key data above, be sure also to check out the fun facts. When you are finished learning the facts, try answering the questions in the Q&A corner on the bottom right side of the page.
Download questions about the newt here: Newt (answers are on this page)
Newt Fun Facts for Kids:
- # 1. There are thought to be around 15 different species of newt found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, and many of the species contain toxins in their skin which helps the newt to defend itself from predators.
- # 2. Certain species of the Pacific Newt, found in North America are particularly toxic, with some containing enough toxin in their skin to kill an adult human.
- # 3. Newts are known best for their lizard-shaped body, with four legs and a long tail. Not only do newts have the incredible ability to breathe both underwater and on land, but newts are also able to regrow limbs, should the original limbs of the newt become damaged.
- # 4. One theory as to why this happens is that the chemicals that allow newts to regrow limbs, are the same as chemicals that produce tumors in other animals. These fast growing, and reproducing cells are thought to be very similar in both newts and tumors in other animals.
- # 5. Due to loss of habitat and pollution, the newt populations throughout the world have been severely declining. Conservation effects in both the UK and the USA have led to the native newt populations being allowed to try and increase in number once again.
Q&A Corner
- # 1. How long does it take on average for a newt egg to hatch?
- # 2. How old can a great crested newt live to?
- # 3. What is the average mass of the newt?
- # 4. How many species of newt are thought to live in the northern hemisphere?
- # 5. How are newts able to regrow limbs?
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