The alpine newt

Like all amphibians, the newt ( Triturus alpestris ) is a double agent! The larvae are aquatic, breathing oxygen dissolved in the water using gills; the young and the adults are terrestrial, breathing the oxygen in the air using lungs. This species is very easily observed when it occupies the aquatic environment from April to June. The male has a plain bright orange throat and belly. This protected species can live up to 2,200 m in altitude.