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Care Sheet: Italian Crested Newt (Triturus carnifex)

Common Name: Italian Crested Newt, Alpine Crested Newt, & Italian Warty Newt.

Scientific Name: Triturus carnifex.

Distribution: Italy, Southern Alps, & Balkans.

Size: 15 - 17cm.

Sexing: Females retain the bright yellow vertebral line present in all juveniles. Males develop a crest during breeding season.

Coloration: The dorsum is a dark brown with black markings. The ventral surface is an orange – yellow marked with black.

Requirements: A 15-gallon tank would be adequate for a group of 2-4 adults. These Newts can be housed in a semi-aquatic setup with a land – water ratio of 50/50. Furnishings such as drift-wood, cork bark, rock, pebbles and plants (live or otherwise) can be arranged to provide a number of hiding places both in and out of the water. The water must be clean de-chlorinated or spring water and will need to be filtered or partially changed daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria in the water. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to visually inspect the tank and remove, clean and replace any soiled items. The tank will not usually require additional heating as long as the temperature of the room does not drop bellow 15°C. A low wattage fluorescent tube should be used as a light source. Once every two-three weeks the tank and its contents should be completely cleaned and sterilized using an amphibian / reptile friendly disinfectant.

Feeding: For adults a mixture of suitably sized insects including earthworm, waxworm, mealworm, maggots, and crickets should be fed every two-three days. A calcium and vitamin supplement should be used once a week. Young Newts will take whiteworm, bloodworm & hatchling crickets these should be fed every day and a calcium and vitamin supplement used two-three times a week.