Editing Palmate newt

{{Short description|Species of amphibian}}
{{good article}}
{{Speciesbox
 | name = Palmate newt
 | image = Lissotriton helveticus (18501796441).jpg
 | image_caption = Two breeding males
 | status = LC
 | status_system = IUCN3.1
 | status_ref = {{r|iucn}}
 | genus = Lissotriton
 | species = helveticus
 | authority = ([[Grigory Razumovsky|Razoumovsky]], 1789{{r|Razumovsky1789|p=111}})
 | range_map = Triturus helveticus dis.png
 | synonyms = 33 synonyms,{{r|Frost2020}} including:
*''Lacerta helvetica'' {{small|Razoumovsky, 1789}}
*''Lacerta paradoxa'' {{small|Razoumovsky, 1789}}
*''Molge palmata'' {{small|[[Blasius Merrem|Merrem]], 1820}}
*''Triton palmatus'' {{small|[[Millet de la Turtaudière]], 1828}}
*''Lissotriton palmipes'' {{small|[[Thomas Bell (zoologist)|Bell]], 1839}}
*''Triturus helveticus'' {{small|[[Emmett Reid Dunn|Dunn]], 1918}}
}}

The '''palmate newt''' ('''''Lissotriton helveticus''''') is a species of [[newt]] found in Western Europe, from [[Great Britain]] to the northern [[Iberian Peninsula]]. It is {{convert|5–9.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} long and olive or brown with some dark spots. The underside is yellow to orange, and the throat, unlike in the similar [[smooth newt]], always unspotted. A dark stripe runs along the head and through the eyes. Breeding males develop a distinct filament on the end of their tail, strongly webbed hind feet, and a low, smooth crest on their back.

[[Habitat]]s include forests, marshes, pastures or gardens. While on land, the newts are mainly [[nocturnal]]. After emerging from [[hibernation]] in spring, they move to stagnant, fish-free water bodies for breeding. After a [[courtship display]], the male deposits a [[spermatophore]] that is picked up by the female. [[Larva]]e develop over after 1.5–3.5 months before [[metamorphosis|metamorphosing]] into land-dwelling juveniles ([[eft]]s). Sexual maturity is reached after two to three years, and the newts can reach a total age of up to 12 years in the wild. The species is overall common and has been assessed as [[Least Concern]] by the [[IUCN]].

==Taxonomy==

The palmate newt was first described scientifically in 1789, by Russian naturalist [[Grigory Razumovsky]]. He placed it in the [[genus (biology)|genus]] of the [[Lacerta (genus)|green lizards]] and named it ''Lacerta helvetica'', with "[[Wiktionary:helveticus|helvetica]]" referring to the Swiss [[type locality (biology)|type locality]] in the [[canton of Vaud]].{{r|Razumovsky1789|p=111}} He also gave ''Lacerta paradoxa'' as alternative name, which is today regarded as a [[junior synonym]].{{r|Frost2020|Razumovsky1789|p=111}} Several names published over time, in different genera, are also now treated as synonyms for the palmate newt.{{r|Frost2020}} Most recently, the species was included in the genus ''[[Triturus]]'', along with most European [[newt]]s.{{r|Sparreboom2014|p=221}} This genus however was found to be [[polyphyletic]], containing several unrelated [[lineage (evolution)|lineages]],{{r|TitusLarson1995|WeisrockPapenfuss2006|SteinfartzVicario2007}} and the small-bodied newts, including the palmate newt, were therefore split off as separate genus in 2004 by García-París and colleagues.{{r|Garcia-Paris2004|p=233}} They used the genus name ''Lissotriton'', introduced by the English zoologist [[Thomas Bell (zoologist)|Thomas Bell]] in 1839.{{r|Bell1839|p=132}} Two distinct [[subspecies]], ''L. h. alonsoi'' and ''L. h. punctillatus'', were described from the [[Iberian peninsula]], but have not been retained by Raffaëlli{{r|Raffaelli2007}} and Sparreboom.{{r|Sparreboom2014|p=225}}

==Description==

[[File:Fadenmolch_(Lissotriton_helveticus),_Fagne_de_la_Petite_Roer,_Sourbodt,_Ostbelgien_(48972546703).jpg|thumb|alt=Brown, rouhg-skinned newt on leave litter|Male during land phase, with dry, velvety skin]]

[[File:Triton_Palmé_Lissotriton_helveticus.jpg|thumb|alt=Newt held between two fingers, exposing its yellow underside|The underside is yellow to orange, and the throat always unspotted.]]

[[File:Triturus.helveticus.jpg|thumb|alt=Newt under water, holding on to plant|Breeding male with angular body, low smooth crest, tail filament and webbed hind feet]]

[[File:Fadenmolchweibchen.jpg|thumb|alt=Newt under water seen from side|Breeding female with orange strip on tail but without tail filament]]

Palmate newts grow to about {{convert|5–8.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} total length in males, while females are somewhat larger and can reach {{convert|9.5|cm|in|abbr=on}}. The tail is slightly shorter than the [[snout-vent length|snout–vent distance]]. The head is longer than wide, with three longitudinal grooves on the snout. Both sexes have an olive or brown base colour, and males and some females have dark spotting on their backs. In females, the spots can sometimes form two irregular lines, and they can have a red stripe running along the back while living on land. In both sexes, a dark stripe runs along the head through the eyes. The underside is yellow or light orange and more whitish on the sides; the belly can have some dark spots, while the throat is always unspotted. While the newts live on land, the skin is dry and velvety, but it becomes smooth when they [[migration (ecology)|migrate]] into water.{{r|1=VanderMeijden2000|2=Sparreboom2014|p2=224–225}}

Males can be distinguished from females by the larger and darker-coloured [[cloaca]].{{r|VanderMeijden2000}} During the aquatic breeding season, the cloaca swells, and other sexual differences develop: Males grow a low, smooth skin seam (a crest) on their back, which is higher on the tail. Their tail has a blunt end with a distinct, 4–7&nbsp;mm long filament. They also have ridges (dorso-lateral ridges) running along their sides, giving them an angular, square shape in cross-section, and their hind feet have well-developed, dark webbing. The lower half of the tail is blue in breeding males and orange in females. Development of the crest, tail filament, ridges, and webbing can be suppressed in the presence of the newts' natural predators. When exposed to predatory [[goldfish]], newts do not express these traits, as large sexual ornaments would make them more conspicuous prey.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Winandy |first1=L. |last2=Denoël |first2=M. |date=May 2015 |title=Expression of sexual ornaments in a polymorphic species: phenotypic variation in response to environmental risk |journal=Journal of Evolutionary Biology |language=en |volume=28 |issue=5 |pages=1049–1056 |doi=10.1111/jeb.12636|pmid=25847588 |s2cid=18564451 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Females do not develop a crest, tail filament or webbed feet.{{r|1=VanderMeijden2000|2=Sparreboom2014|p2=224}}

Sometimes confused with the [[smooth newt]] (''Lissotriton vulgaris'') which is found in much of the same area, the palmate newt can be distinguished by its unspotted throat.{{r|VanderMeijden2000}} It also resembles [[Bosca's newt|Boscá's newt]] (''L. boscai'') from the Iberian peninsula, which has only a single groove on the snout and no dark eye strip.{{r|Sparreboom2014|p=222}}

==Distribution and habitats==

[[File:Etang_Herzog_Husseren.jpg|thumb|alt=Shady pond in forest|Forest pond, breeding site for the palmate and the [[alpine newt]]]]

The palmate newt occurs in Western Europe, from Great Britain (up to Scotland) to northern Portugal and Spain. In the east, it ranges to the [[Elbe]] river in Germany and the Czech Republic and the lower and mid [[Alps]] in Switzerland. It is most common from {{convert|500–1500|m|ft|abbr=on}} elevation, but can be found from sea level up to {{convert|2500|m|ft|abbr=on}} (in the [[Pyrenees]]).{{r|1=VanderMeijden2000|2=Sparreboom2014|p2=224}} Genetic analyses by Recuero and García-París suggest that the species was confined to the Iberian Peninsula during the [[Last Glacial Maximum]] and then expanded its range north of the Pyrenees.{{r|RecueroGarcía-París2011}}

They have recently been discovered in South Western Ireland, though it is unclear yet whether they are native or an introduced species.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2024 |title=Newt species is new for Ireland |url=https://www.birdguides.com/news/newt-species-is-new-for-ireland/}}</ref>

Common over most of its range, the palmate newt is found in a variety of [[habitat]]s, including forest, marshes and pasture.{{r|1=VanderMeijden2000|2=Sparreboom2014|p2=224–225}} It is less abundant in cultivated areas, but can adapt to gardens.{{r|1=iucn|2=Raffaelli2007}} For reproduction, the newts accept different types of stagnant water bodies, preferably fish-free; acidic ponds are well tolerated.{{r|1=VanderMeijden2000|2=Sparreboom2014|p2=224–225}} The smooth newt occurs over much of the same area, but in France appears to prefer ponds in open land, while the palmate newt prefers forest ponds; [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrids]] between the two species are rare.{{r|Sparreboom2014|p2=225}}

==Lifecycle and reproduction==

[[File:Palmate newt larva.jpg|thumb|alt=Larva with fore- and hind legs seen from above, next to a British penny|Larva with fore- and hind legs developed, with a [[Penny (British decimal coin)|British penny]] (20.3 mm) for scale]]

[[File:Palmate Newt (Lissotriton helveticus) juvenile (13538226244).jpg|thumb|alt=Small brown newt with orange stripe on back, on moss|Juvenile ([[eft]]) after the transition to land]]

The reproductive period usually extends from February to May, but can start earlier or last longer in the southern range on the Iberian Peninsula, depending on elevation.{{r|VanderMeijden2000}} The newts can use [[magnetoreception]] over larger distances and the calls of frogs over shorter distances to find their breeding ponds.{{r|Diego-RasillaLuengo2008}} Once in the water, they are active during day and night.{{r|VanderMeijden2000}} Breeding involves a ritualised [[courtship display]] as in other closely related newts: The male attempts to attract a female by swimming in front of her and sniffing her cloaca. He then vibrates his tail against his body, sometimes lashing it (but less violently than in the smooth newt), thereby fanning pheromones towards her. In the final phase, its a packet of sperm (a spermatophore). He then guides her over the spermatophore so she picks it up with her cloaca.{{r|Sparreboom2014|p=225}}

The females lays 150–440 eggs individually on water plants. These are 1.3–1.8&nbsp;mm in diameter (2.2–3&nbsp;mm with capsule) and very similar to those of the smooth newt. [[Larva]]e hatch after 8–21 days, depending on temperature, at a size of 8–14&nbsp;mm. The young larvae are yellow–brown, with two black stripes, and have two appendages (balancers) on the sides of the head, which are later resorbed. The colour then becomes more cryptic, and the larvae grow to {{convert|3–4|cm|in|abbr=on}}. As they grow, their characteristics are affected by their environment. Specifically, in response to chemical cues from predatory [[dragonfly]] larvae, larval newts develop larger heads and tails, and develop darker tail pigmentation. Additionally, dragonflies were more likely to prey on newts without such changes, which may be because a larger tail size facilitates newt predator escape behavior.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Van Buskirk |first1=Josh |last2=Schmidt |first2=Benedikt R. |date=2000 |title=Predator-Induced Phenotypic Plasticity in Larval Newts: Trade-Offs, Selection, and Variation in Nature |journal=Ecology |volume=81 |issue=11 |pages=3009–3028 |doi=10.2307/177397 |jstor=177397 |issn=0012-9658|url=https://www.zora.uzh.ch/id/eprint/321/9/Schmidt_Ecology-V.pdf }}</ref> They [[metamorphosis|metamorphose]] into land-dwelling juveniles ([[eft]]s) after 1.5–3.5 months, but some larvae instead overwinter in water. [[Paedomorphism]], where adults keep their gills and stay aquatic, is also known.{{r|1=VanderMeijden2000|2=Sparreboom2014|p2=224–225}}

The young efts live on land until maturity, which is reached in the second or third year. Activity on land occurs mainly during humid nights. The palmate newt usually [[hibernate]]s on land but sometimes in the water, and in the Iberian peninsula, it is often active year-round. Larvae, efts and adults mainly feed on various [[invertebrates]], but cannibalism also occurs, mainly by larvae preying on eggs. An age of up to 12 years can be reached in the wild.{{r|1=VanderMeijden2000|2=Sparreboom2014|p2=224–225}}

==Threats and conservation==

Palmate newt populations are not in decline overall, and the species has been assessed as [[Least Concern]] by the [[IUCN]].{{r|iucn}} In France, it is the most common newt species,{{r|Raffaelli2007}} but it is rare in Belgium and the Netherlands,{{r|Sparreboom2014|p=225}} and populations are fragmented on the Iberian Peninsula.{{r|iucn}} It is included in some national and regional [[red list]]s.{{r|iucn}} Drainage and pollution of breeding sites, the introduction of fish and crayfish, as well as [[desertification]] (in the southern range), have been cited as threats.{{r|iucn|VanderMeijden2000}} Like all amphibians, it is listed as protected species in the [[Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats|Berne Convention]] (Appendix III),{{r|bern-convention}} and it is legally protected by law in the countries it occurs in.{{r|VanderMeijden2000}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="Bell1839">{{cite book |last1=Bell |first1=Thomas |title=A History of British Reptiles |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofbritish00bellrich |publisher=John van Voorst |location=London |year=1839 |doi=10.5962/bhl.title.5498|doi-access=free }}</ref>

<ref name="bern-convention">{{cite web |title=Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats |year=1979 |publisher=Council of Europe |location=Bern |url=http://conventions.coe.int/treaty/en/Treaties/Html/104.htm |access-date=2020-11-01}}</ref>

<ref name="Diego-RasillaLuengo2008">{{cite journal|last1=Diego-Rasilla|first1=Francisco J.|last2=Luengo|first2=Rosa M.|last3=Phillips|first3=John B.|title=Use of a Magnetic Compass for Nocturnal Homing Orientation in the Palmate Newt, ''Lissotriton helveticus''|journal=Ethology|volume=114|issue=8|year=2008|pages=808–815|issn=0179-1613|doi=10.1111/j.1439-0310.2008.01532.x|bibcode=2008Ethol.114..808D |s2cid=85983472 }}</ref>

<ref name="Frost2020">{{Cite encyclopedia |last=Frost |first=Darrel R. |year=2020 |title=''Lissotriton helveticus'' (Razoumovsky, 1789). |encyclopedia=Amphibian Species of the World |url=https://amphibiansoftheworld.amnh.org/Amphibia/Caudata/Salamandridae/Pleurodelinae/Lissotriton/Lissotriton-helveticus |access-date=2020-12-22 |publisher=American Museum of Natural History |location=New York, USA |doi=10.5531/db.vz.0001|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

<ref name="Garcia-Paris2004">{{ cite book | last1 = García-París | first1=M. | last2 = Montori | first2 = A. |last3 = Herrero | first3 = P. |year = 2004 | title = Amphibia: Lissamphibia | series = Fauna Iberica | volume = 24 | publisher = Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas | location = Madrid | isbn = 84-00-08292-3 }}</ref>

<ref name="iucn">{{cite iucn |author=IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. |year=2022 |title=''Lissotriton helveticus'' |volume=2022 |page=e.T59475A89701575 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T59475A89701575.en |access-date=20 June 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="Raffaelli2007">{{cite web |last1=Raffaëlli |first1=Jean |year=2007–2014 |title=''Lissotriton helveticus'': Palmate newt – Raffaëlli account |publisher=University of California, Berkeley |url=https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Lissotriton&where-species=helveticus&account=raffaelli&gaa= |access-date=2020-12-22 |language=fr }}</ref>

<ref name="Razumovsky1789">{{cite book |last1=Razumovskii |first1=Grigorii |year=1789 |title=Histoire Naturelle du Jorat et de ses Environs; et Celle de Trois Lacs de Neuchâtel, Morat et Bienne |volume=1 |publisher=Jean Mourer |location=Lausanne |doi=10.5962/bhl.title.37043|doi-access=free }}</ref>

<ref name="RecueroGarcía-París2011">{{cite journal|last1=Recuero|first1=Ernesto|last2=García-París|first2=Mario|title=Evolutionary history of ''Lissotriton helveticus'': Multilocus assessment of ancestral vs. recent colonization of the Iberian Peninsula|journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution|volume=60|issue=1|year=2011|pages=170–182|issn=1055-7903|doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2011.04.006|pmid=21530664 |bibcode=2011MolPE..60..170R }}</ref>

<ref name="Sparreboom2014">{{cite book | last = Sparreboom | first = M. |year = 2014 | title = Salamanders of the Old World: The Salamanders of Europe, Asia and Northern Africa | isbn = 978-90-04-28562-0 | publisher = KNNV Publishing | location = Zeist, The Netherlands | doi = 10.1163/9789004285620 }}</ref>

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<ref name="TitusLarson1995">{{cite journal |last1=Titus |first1=T.A. |last2=Larson |first2=A. |title=A molecular phylogenetic perspective on the evolutionary radiation of the salamander family Salamandridae |journal=Systematic Biology |volume=44 |issue=2 |year=1995 |pages=125–151 |issn=1063-5157 |doi=10.1093/sysbio/44.2.125}}</ref>

<ref name="VanderMeijden2000">{{cite web |last1=van der Meijden |first1=Arie |last2=Cavagnaro |first2=John |year=2000–2012 |title=''Lissotriton helveticus'': Palmate newt |publisher=University of California, Berkeley |url=http://amphibiaweb.org/species/4297 |access-date=2020-12-22 }}</ref>

<ref name="WeisrockPapenfuss2006">{{cite journal |last1=Weisrock |first1=D.W. |last2=Papenfuss |first2=T.J. |last3=Macey |first3=J.R. |last4=Litvinchuk |first4=S.N. |last5=Polymeni |first5=R. |last6=Ugurtas |first6=I.H. |last7=Zhao |first7=E. |last8=Jowkar |first8=H. |last9=Larson |first9=A. |display-authors=3 |title=A molecular assessment of phylogenetic relationships and lineage accumulation rates within the family Salamandridae (Amphibia, Caudata) |journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution |volume=41 |issue=2 |year=2006 |pages=368–383 |issn=1055-7903 |doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2006.05.008|pmid=16815049 |bibcode=2006MolPE..41..368W }}</ref>

}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q138526}}

[[Category:Lissotriton]]
[[Category:Amphibians of Europe]]
[[Category:Fauna of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Amphibians described in 1789]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Grigory Razumovsky]]