Northern banded newt
The Northern band Newt ( Ommatotriton ophryticus ) is a common in Asia Minor amphibian species of the family of the Real Salamander ( Salamandridae ).
Features
The Northern belt scraper is a great newt. He usually reaches a length of up to 14.5 inches, up to a maximum 18 centimeters. A silver - white, broad longitudinal band with a black border extends along both sides of the eyes to the hind leg approach. The abdomen is orange - yellow to orange - red and may have dark spots. Males are larger than females. The pairing of male dress is particularly striking and gorgeous, which is why this type is the " most beautiful way in the group of newts " ( prior class genus Triturus ) for Dieter Glandt. In pairing dress the males have a comb on the back, which is up to 3 inches high, jagged and sharp and deep alternately black and brown and yellow striped vertically. At the height of the hind legs, the comb on a deep indentation and is continued by a Schwanzsaum. This is medium- high and its prongs are rounded and coarser. In young animals in the first year of life bright temple spots are available.
Occurrence
The area of the Northern belt scraper consists of two separate parts. The greater part of area extends from north- eastern Turkey and the Black Sea to the north west of the Caucasus, the smaller part of the area is in the north- western Anatolia.
The vertical distribution of the species extends from about sea level in plains near the coast to altitudes of 2,000 meters above sea level in the Caucasus. As habitat were coastal lowlands, wooded mountain slopes and found (sub-) alpine meadows. Sometimes the species was also found in karst caves. Spawning grounds are weak flowing and standing waters such as ditches, oxbow lakes, puddles, streams and their potholes, lakes and sinkholes.
System
There are two subspecies:
- Ommatotriton ophryticus ssp. ophryticus occurs in Russia and Georgia, Armenia, and on the Black Sea coast in the north- east of Turkey, in the northwest of the Caucasus.
- Ommatotriton ophryticus ssp. nerstovi is found in Anatolia.
Way of life
The regime of temperature and precipitation are very important for the beginning and end of the activity of this kind, especially for the water stay. In the Caucasus, a breeding season from March was up to July, usually only until April or May, found. Here wintered the way for six months from October. In contrast, the animals on the Black Sea coast in Turkey are partially active throughout the year.
The mating behavior is consistent with that of the Triturus species match almost. However, the males are aggressive striking, as is the case with any other occurring in Europe newt species. They occupy territories that are defended against other males. This defense is the beginning of threats. If these are ignored, the owner of the district begins to bite. Violent fights that are fatal in some cases, can occur between males in the territorial boundaries.
In the Caucasus, an average clutch size of 90 to 100 was found per female. Eggs are laid on water plants or fall foliage. Young larvae initially feed on small crustaceans, with increasing size added mosquito larvae, small water snails and small clams. Adult newts feed in waters of freshwater shrimps, water snails, water lice and the larvae of insects and the eggs and the larvae of other amphibians. On land earthworms, slugs, woodlice, spiders, millipedes and other invertebrates are consumed.
The Northern belt scraper has numerous predators, including snakes such as the grass snake (Natrix natrix ), corvids such as ravens and jays and water shrews. Its larvae are eaten by fish, Seefröschen, water beetles such as diving beetles and crayfish.
Endangering
Although the nature of the Caucasus has a wide distribution range, many populations are apparently not very present, which, moreover, often are relatively small. Therefore, it is necessary for these populations a strict protection. Through protected areas in Georgia and Russia, the survival of the species seems assured. However, more threats are pollution of water, drainage, overgrazing, fish stocking and overbuilding due to the expansion of spas.