[2][3] It is found in northeastern Turkey and western Caucasus in Georgia, Armenia, and southern Russia.

During the breeding season, adult males develop very high and notched middorsal and caudal crest; the colouration is yellowish or brownish, with dark vertical stripes.

[3] It typically lives in coniferous, mixed, and deciduous forests, up to subalpine meadows.

[1][3] Reproduction takes places in a large range of water bodies, from temporary ponds to lakes.

[1] Hibernation generally takes place on land, although individuals in breeding colours have been found in water as early as January.