Typically, T. cernifex have a stout body, a large head and well developed legs (Meilink et al. 2015). The appearance and size of the Italian Crested Newt (Triturus carnifex), however, differs among the supscecies: The subspecies T. carnifex carnifex, for example, is dark browm with an orange-yellow belly (amphibiaweb.org, 27.02.2018). The subspecies T. carnifex macedonicus has dense dark belly spots. Females range up to 180mm and males up to 150mm (amphibiaweb.org, 27.02.2018). Adults have toxic skin secretions, wich is not very effective in protecting them against predators. The predators include birds, snakes and mammals such as Badgers and Hedgehogs. Fish are the major predator for larvae (http://www.froglife.org/info-advice/amphibians-and-reptiles/italian-crested-newt/, 05.03.2018). The species in native in the south-central Europe and in the Balkan region. It was introduced to the South east and Northern Europe and the Azores. The species is listed in the Red List of Threated Species in the category Least Concern (IUCN, 2018).

The taxonomic rage of the species is unclear due to widely common hybridization within the genus. Native populations are generally declining. The loss of aquatic habitats and the introduction of predatory fishes and the decrease of spring rains as a result of global climate change threatens the populations (IUCN Red List, 2018).

The lifecycle metamorphosis is very typical for Urodeles. It consists of an aquatic larval stage and an adult terrestrial stage. The timing of the metamorphosis can vary among population in different geographical areas. Some larvae transform in the same year they hatched, but mostly larvae metamorphose to immature juveniles after a period of overwintering. In few cases larvae grow and gain sexual maturity before metamorphosing into adults (Kalezic et al., 1994).

The species is used as an ornamental pet for garden ponds. It is traded in several countries (Google shopping, https://www.exotic-pets.co.uk/crested-newt.html, 2018).

The species can adapt to a wide range of habitats up to an altitude of 2140m. During the breading season it requires still waters. It mostly occurs in pools within streams, but also in artificial water bodies, such as garden ponds and water-filled gravel pits (amphibiaweb.org, 27.02.2018).

Females reach sexual maturity in the age of 3.6 years and males in 3.8 years. Variability of the reproduction cycle is depending on the geographical location (Cvetković et al, 1996). Females lay about 250 eggs per breeding season (amphibiaweb.org, 2018).

Adults feed on terrestrial invertebrates. Larvae feed on rog tadpoles and other larval amphilians. Tadpoles feed on aqatic invertebrates during the aqatic phase (amphibiaweb.org, 27.02.2018).

In 1903 the breeding site for alien species was established in Surrey by T.B. Rothwell. The amphibians were kept outside and ocassionally escaped trough the waterways and colonized local waterbodies. Brede et al., 2000.The species was used as ‘garden ornaments’ and released into the wild because a change in legislation prohibited sale (Bogaerts, 2002).Arntzen and Thorpe, 1999

Naturally the Italian Crested Newt (Triturus carnifex) was separated from other native species of the genus, eg. Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768), trough geographical barriers. The species was intentionally introduced in areas outside of their natural range, most likely as pet or for ornamental purposes. In the introduced area it hybridizes with native species. This causes genetic pollution ant threatens native species diversity (Meilink et al., 2015).

Currently no measures were undertaken to manage the invasion of this species. The species is listed in Annex II in of the EU Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora." Official Journal of the European Union 206 (1992): 7-50.