Alpine newts are usually semiaquatic, spending most of the year (9-10 months) on land and only returning to the water for breeding. The efts are probably terrestrial until they reach sexual maturity.:54 This happens after around three years in males, and four to five years in females. Alpine newts can reach an age of ten years in lowland. At higher altitude, maturity is reached only after 9-11 years, and the newts can grow up to 30 years old.:215