Newts, fascinating amphibians that inhabit both aquatic and terrestrial environments, adapt in remarkable ways to the changing seasons. As temperatures drop and winter approaches, these creatures must find strategies to endure the cold and scarcity of resources. Understanding their seasonal behaviors provides insight into the resilience of amphibians.
Brumation Explained
Newts do not undergo true hibernation, like many mammals. Instead, they enter a state called brumation. As ectothermic animals, their body temperature is regulated by their external environment, and brumation is a period of reduced activity and slowed metabolism. This allows them to conserve energy when conditions are unfavorable.
During brumation, a newt’s metabolic rate decreases, allowing them to survive on stored energy reserves. Unlike hibernation, newts may experience periods of increased activity during brumation, especially on milder winter days. They might emerge briefly to forage or relocate before returning to their sheltered spots.
Environmental Triggers and Survival
Colder temperatures, shorter daylight, and dwindling food signal newts to brumate. This behavior is a survival mechanism, enabling them to endure harsh winter conditions. By slowing their bodily functions, newts can minimize energy expenditure until more favorable conditions return.
Newts consume more food in late summer and autumn to build fat reserves for the brumation period. It is important for them to clear their digestive systems before settling into brumation, as undigested food can lead to fatal complications.
Where Newts Seek Shelter
Newts select various locations for brumation, seeking stable temperatures and protection from cold and predators. Many species overwinter on land in places like burrows, under logs, within thick leaf litter, or nestled in rock crevices. Garden features such as compost heaps, old walls, or even spaces beneath sheds and concrete slabs can also provide suitable shelter.
Some newt species, particularly in regions with consistent water bodies, may brumate underwater. They find refuge at the bottom of ponds, often among leaf litter or within mud. For aquatic brumation, the water must be deep enough to prevent freezing and maintain sufficient dissolved oxygen levels, which newts can absorb through their skin.
Emergence and Activity Cycle
As temperatures rise, typically above 5 degrees Celsius, newts gradually emerge from brumation. This usually occurs in early spring, around February or March, though timing varies by local weather. Males often leave their overwintering sites slightly earlier than females.
Upon emergence, newts become more active, focusing on finding food to replenish energy. They then migrate to breeding ponds to find mates, where males perform elaborate courtship displays. After breeding, females lay individual eggs, often wrapped in aquatic plant leaves, before adults return to terrestrial habitats for the year.