The smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) is widespread in Europe and parts of Asia and is an introduced species in Australia. It is brown with a dark-spotted orange to white underside, with males larger than females. The skin is dry and velvety while the newts live on land but becomes smooth after they migrate into water, when males become more vivid and grow a crest on their back. Smooth newts live nocturnally on land for most of the year, and are found in a wide range of habitats. They feed on invertebrates, and are eaten by fish, birds and snakes. They breed in ponds, where males court females with an underwater display. Females lay eggs on water plants, and larvae hatch after 10 to 20 days. The young metamorphose into terrestrial juveniles in around three months. Maturity is reached after 2 to 3 years, and adults live up to 14 years. This newt is classed as a least-concern species, but has suffered from habitat destruction and introduced fish. It is listed in the Berne Convention as a protected species.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smooth_newt
_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1740:
A two-week massacre of ethnic Chinese in Batavia, Dutch East Indies, came to an end with at least 10,000 people killed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1740_Batavia_massacre
1907:
A bank run forced New York's Knickerbocker Trust Company to suspend operations, which triggered the Panic of 1907. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_of_1907
1940:
After evading French and Spanish authorities, Belgian prime minister Hubert Pierlot arrived in London, marking the beginning of the Belgian government in exile. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_government_in_exile
2001:
The controversial video game Grand Theft Auto III was first released to critical acclaim, and went on to popularise open-world and mature-content games. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Theft_Auto_III
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
lady-in-waiting: 1. A lady, often a noblewoman, in the household of a queen, princess, or other woman of higher rank who attends her as a personal assistant, generally a role considered an honour. 2. A woman who is a maid or servant to a lady, similar to a valet for a gentleman. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/lady-in-waiting
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
God created Arrakis to train the faithful. --Dune https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Dune