History and origin
The Corsican brook newt was first described by Savi in 1838, the scientific name of this species is Euproctus montanus. Euproctus is from Greek and is composed of two words, the first means 'true' and the second means 'behind', this name was given because of their prominent cloacae. Montanus comes from Latin and means 'mountainous'.

Characteristics
They are characterised by their general unique appearance, a very long squared head, warty skin... They are only found on Corsica.

Description
=Size=
- Eggs: The eggs are about 2 to 3 mm in diameter, laid in individual balls of about 4 to 6 mm in diameter.
- Larva: The larva measure about 11 to 12 mm long.
- Juveniles: The young measure between 50 to 55 mm long.
- Adults: They measure between 90 to 110 mm long.
=Morphology=
- Eggs: The eggs are laid individual balls fixed on rocks underwater. 15 to 33 eggs are laid.
- Larva: They look like adults but have a longer rectangular head and external gills.
- Adults: They are quite svelte and flattened in appearance, their tail is long and slim, the tail finishes in a flattened form. They have short limbs. Their skin is quite smooth and they have a multitude of small opening from which can be excreted a liquid substance (se 'defensive habits'). They have small paratoid glands. Their pupils are horizontal.
=Patterns & colours=
- Eggs: They are encased in a transparent envelope, the larva can be seen inside, they are light, sometimes white, their eyes and veins can also been seen.
- Larva: They are light coloured, their tail being generally darker, their external gills are reddish. They become darker as they grow. They have a very short crest on the tail which is very light in colour.
- Adult: They are usually dullish in colour, they seem marbled with a light greenish colour covered with darker brown. They can be completely dark or even pinkish (terrestrial phase). There can be a line running down the back which is usually a lighter shade of the body colour. Their toe tips are black. Their belly is freckled pinkish or gray with light spots. Their eyes are golden.

Geographical range
This species is only found on Corsica.

Subspecies
None described.

Sexual differences
Males have a larger head due to more developed jaw muscles.

Seasonal variations
Their skin becomes more rough and they become darker during the land phase.

Diet
They feed on fly larva, mosquitoes, may feed on Rana tempoaria tadpoles. The larva eat crustaceans, they may become cannibalistic.

Defensive habits
They will hide under stones in the water if disturbed.

Reproduction
The breeding season starts just after hibernation when the specimens first enter the water, for this the water must be heated around at least 15 C. The male jumps onto the female's back and holds on at the beginning by biting the female, he releases a small amount of sperm which he inserts into the female with the use of his hind feet. This may last for hours. The female lays between 15 to 33 eggs a few days later (Max. a week later), these eggs are laid under stones and are overlooked by the female until they hatch.

Sexual maturity, life span
The average life span for Euproctus montanus is only about 7 years, they reach their sexual maturity around 6 months after their metamorphose.

Habits
They are active at night only. Spending the day under rocks, logs or other shelters. They hibernate on land.

Habitat
They are found from sea level up to 2260 m in altitude (Lac Cinto). They are found in slow moving rivers or in mountainous streams as well as certain lakes. The water habitat is characterised by a loose floor composed most of the time by gravel or small stones. They prefer non vegetational water habitats. They are absent from large water holes and ones with a clay floor. Their terrestrial habitat isn't well know but is most certainly similar to Calotriton asper.

Predators
Trout are their main enemy, however they are also eaten by Natrix natrix and Discoglossus sp.