About Triturus karelinii (Strauch, 1870)
Nomenclature
This species, scientifically named Triturus karelinii (Strauch, 1870), is commonly called the southern crested newt.
Dorsal Coloration
Southern crested newts have dorsal coloration ranging from brown to gray, with scattered darker patches across their backs.
Ventral Coloration
Their throats and bellies are orange, marked with small black dots.
Adult Size
Adults can reach a maximum length of 7.1 inches (18 centimeters).
Male Secondary Sexual Characteristic
Males develop a large jagged crest that runs from behind the neck down to the tail.
Native Range
The native range of southern crested newts includes Crimea, the Caucasus, and the area south of the Caspian Sea.
Taxonomic Reclassification of Former Populations
Populations previously assigned to this species from the southeast Balkan peninsula and western Anatolia are now classified as the Balkan crested newt, while populations from northern Anatolia belong to the Anatolian crested newt.
Habitat
Southern crested newts inhabit a variety of mountain habitats, including broadleaf forests, coniferous forests, slopes, and plateaus.
