Description

Large newt with a broad, dorsoventally flattened head. The back is covered with small warts and is usually gray to brown in color, sometimes with irregular dark spots. Rarely, the back is yellowish, greenish or black. There are conspicuous dorso-lateral rows of 7-10 yellow-orange warts, through which the ribs can protrude (Boehme et al 1999). Total length of males to 312mm, up to 286mm for females. Specimens from northern Africa are smaller than those from European populations. Tail length is smaller than snout-vent length. The tails of females are shorter than those of males. Males also show a broader tail-base and fin during the breeding season. During this period, males also develop nuptial pads on the front legs, and a reddish hue on the body (Griffiths 1996).