Hemidactylium scutatum
Four-toed Salamander
Identification
The Four-toed Salamander is one of our three small, slender salamanders along with the Red-backed and Northern Two-lined. It is our only terrestrial salamander that has four toes on its rear feet. Adults range from 3-4 inches long. Four-toeds have black flecks on a reddish-brown back and grayish-brown upper sides. Their belly and lower sides are bright white with black scattered spots.
Large, healthy adults have a constriction at the base of their tails, which is where their tail can break off if grabbed by a predator. It will later grow back.
The females lay 15-64 eggs in moss or debris near water.
Range/Habitat
This species is found generally in the Lake Champlain Basin, and has been identified in two locations in the Connecticut River Valley.
Status
This species has a state natural heritage rank of S2. The Four-Toed Salmanader is rare in Vermont and is a species of special concern. It has been designated a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (high priority) in Vermont’s Wildlife Action Plan. Please report all sightings of this species in Vermont. Take photos if possible. Even historic sighting information is useful.
More Info
- Hemidactylium scutatum at Animal Diversity website
- Hemidactylium scutatum at Amphibiaweb
- Hemidactylium scutatum at the CARCNET website
- Hemidactylium scutatum in the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Action Plan (PDF)
- Hemidactylium scutatum at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History website
Species summary written by Kaile Burgess.
Hemidactylium scutatum: ventral view
Photo credit unknown.