Marbled Newt
The Marbled Newt (Triturus marmoratus) is a terrestrial newt native to France, northern Spain, and Portugal. They are not found in much of the Pyrenees due to dry and unstable conditions. Populations are scattered in northern France due to the presence of the Great Crested Newt. The preferred habitat of the Marbled Newt is high elevation climates.
Marbled Newts have dark brown or black bodies with erratic patterns of green. Their bellies are black with cream colored specks. Adult females have an orange stripe running down the back from the head to the tip of the tail. Young specimens also have this feature, although on males it fades at about 9 months. Breeding males have a large wavy crest that runs from the neck to the tip of the tail. The crest is black with yellow-white striping. Adults are 5 to 6.5 inches in length.
Studies have shown that marbled newts use the stars to guide and orient them on their way to their breeding pools.