Alpine newt – Ichthyosaura alpestris

The alpine newt, as well as the as the native Finnish species smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) and the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus), belong to salamanders. The alpine newt resembles the native species except for colour: the alpine newt is black or brown on top, sometimes slightly bluish, and underside is orange and unblotched.

During spawning in spring, the female's brown general colouring has lighter spots on the back, flanks, head and limbs. Males are darker and their spawning coloration is striking due to the orange-red belly with no black spots, as opposed to a smooth newt. On the other hand, dark spots are present on pale general colour as longitudinal bands along the dorsal crest, singly low on the flanks, cheeks and limbs, and under the tail. After the spawning period, colours are not so intense.

The alpine newt grows 6 to 12 cm long, about the same size as a smooth newt. Females are slightly larger than males. However, the native smooth newt is greenish brown on top and orange-yellow with black round spots on the abdominal side. The great crested newt is more bulky than the two other species. It can grow up to 17 cm in length. The skin of the great crested newt is nodulous, the back is black or dark brown and belly is yellow or orange. There are dark spots on the back and abdominal side.