Great crested newts eat small animals: water snails, insect larvae, worms, tadpoles, small beetles, and even the young of other newts. They hunt mostly by smell and movement, and mostly at night.
What adult newts eat
On land, adults hunt slugs, earthworms, woodlice, beetles and other small invertebrates. In the pond during the breeding season, they eat water fleas, freshwater shrimp, snails, mosquito and midge larvae, and tadpoles. They are opportunists and take whatever small prey is easy to catch.
What larvae eat
Newt larvae feed on tiny water animals such as water fleas (Daphnia) and other zooplankton, then move on to larger insect larvae and tadpoles as they grow. Larger larvae sometimes eat smaller newt larvae.
How they find food
- They hunt mostly at night, using smell and sight.
- In water they stalk slowly, then snap up prey.
- On land they shelter by day under logs, stones and leaf litter and come out to feed when it is damp.
Life cycle at a glance
Great crested newts spend spring in ponds to breed, with males developing a jagged crest. Females lay eggs one at a time and fold them into the leaves of pond plants. Larvae develop through summer, and young newts, called efts, move onto land. Adults spend winter hibernating under logs, stones or in burrows on land. They can live around ten years or more in the wild.
Are they protected?
Yes. Great crested newts are native to Britain and Europe, and are legally protected in the UK and across the EU. It is an offence to catch, disturb or harm them or to damage their habitat. They are not native to the United States. If you find one on your property in the UK, contact your local wildlife trust or Natural England for advice.
Can you feed a wild newt?
You should not capture or feed wild great crested newts. The best way to help them is to provide a fish-free pond with plenty of plants, and rough ground, log piles and long grass nearby. See our related guides on crested newts, palmate newts and what newts eat in the wild.
For pet newts of other species, a vet who treats amphibians can advise on diet. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
Bottom Line
Great crested newts eat small invertebrates and tadpoles, hunt at night and are protected by law. Keep ponds fish-free and leave wild newts alone.
