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>
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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>
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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>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
God created Arrakis to train the faithful.
--Dune
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Dune>
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