There are prominent ridges along the newts' backs which make it somewhat square in cross-section, and the skin is rough. The aquatic phase of this newt is comparatively short, and thereafter it inhabits dry land for the rest of the year. Larvae occasionally also hibernate and complete their metamorphosis the following year. Triturus helveticus Palmate Newt W. Europe as far as Scotland and NW Iberia. See above for remarks on similarity to Montandon's Newt.
Females lack the tail filament and have a narrower caudal fin and smaller spots on the body.
Life cycle and diet are the same as Montandon's. Similar to Palmate Newt but males lack tail filament. Inhabits mainly small ponds but sometimes lakes within caves. Males have low border on tail instead of dorsal crest. The two species are characterised by wide heads, large eyes and five toes linked by webbing.