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Smooth newts

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Lynne View Drop Down
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Joined: 15 Aug 2018
Location: Somerset
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    Posted: 15 Aug 2018 at 3:28pm
My grandson and I notice that many of the newts in my pond spend a great deal of their time during August floating on their backs. Why is that? I have a photo, but don't know how to send it via this forum
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will View Drop Down
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Joined: 27 Feb 2007
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote will Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 9:22am
Nice observation between the two of you!  Smooth and Palmate newts often 'bask' near the water surface on warm days, and also hunt just below the surface for insects trapped in the surface film.  I have sometimes seen them do this 'upside down' ie on their backs.  Females also inspect floating waterplants like duckweed for egg laying purposes on their backs under the surface, too.  I'm guessing this is probably the sort of thing they're up to in your pond.  They can also float upside down if they're ill, but this is generally something you'll only see in the odd afflicted newt, rather than a regular behaviour.

As far as downloading photos is concerned, you have to click on the arrow above the comments box that you open when you leave a message and follow the instructions from there - someone who is more technical than me will be able to explain it better!

Hope that helps, and keep watching the newtsSmile

Will
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