Smooth Newt Larva
This smooth newt larva was accidentally collected while clearing some of the blanket weed which was smothering the pond. I photographed it in a glass tank I made for this purpose using an overhead light with a daylight bulb. It still has external gills but has developed all four limbs. Pigment spots have started to develop but it is still largely transluscent and the internal organs are clearly visible. The presence of so many newt larvae is a good sign, although it may simply reflect the number of frog larvae there are for them to eat as adults!