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Four-toed Salamander

Scientific Name: Hemidactylium scutatum
Size: 2-3.5 inches (5-10 cm) in length
Status: Species of special concern
PAHERP Resource: Have You Seen Me? Four-toed Salamander

Habitat:
Hardwood-conifer or mixed forest with bogs, marshes, woodland ponds, open meadows, or dry wooded hillsides.

Descripton:
Moderately slender species. The top of the head and body is reddish brown and mottled with black markings along the back that extend onto the top of the tail. The upper surfaces of the limbs and tail are bright reddish orange. The limbs have brown maculations. The sides gradually become gray. The underside is white with scattered irregular bold black blotches or spots. The feet have four toes.

Adult Coloration:
  • The dorsal color of the head and body is reddish brown and mottled with black markings along the back that extend onto the dorsal of the tail.
  • The upper surfaces of the limbs and tail are bright reddish orange. The limbs have brown maculatoins.
  • The sides laterally become grey.
  • The ventral is white with scattered irregular bold black blotches or spots.
Adult Characteristics:
  • Moderately slender species.
  • The legs are long and slender.
  • The feet have four toes.
  • The body is cylindrical.
  • The head is somewhat flat.
  • The tail is moderately long, oval in the cross-section with constriction around the base.
  • 13-14 costal grooves.
Juvenile Characteristics:
  • Resemble adults but they have a shorter tails.
Larvae Characteristics:
  • Pond-type.
  • Well-developed gills and feathery.
  • The body is triangular in the cross-section.
  • The dorsal is brownish grey and mottled with yellowish green.
  • The ventral is immaculate.
  • The body is slender.
  • The eyes are prominent.
  • The dorsal fin extends nearly to the head dorsally and ventrally to the cloaca.
  • The head is broad and short.
  • The front limbs are developed with four toes on each foot. The rear limbs only have toe buds.
Range:

May be Confused With:
  • Northern Redback Salamander
Adult Gallery:
Four-toed Salamander - By: Dave Emma
Four-toed Salamander - By: Dave Emma
Four-toed Salamander - By: Dave Emma
Four-toed Salamander - By: Dave Emma
Four-toed Salamander - By: Bob Hamilton
Four-toed Salamander - By: Bob Hamilton
Four-toed Salamander - By: Bob Hamilton
Four-toed Salamander - By: Tom Diez
Four-toed Salamander - By: Tom Diez
Four-toed Salamander - By: Tom Diez
Four-toed Salamander - By: Andrew Hoffman

Larvae Gallery:
Four-toed Salamander By: Don Becker
Four-toed Salamander By: Don Becker

Egg Gallery:
Four-toed Salamander - By: Joe Wilson
Four-toed Salamander - By: Andrew Hoffman

References:
  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 96-100pp.
  • Petranka, James W. ,1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 290-295pp.
Credits:
  • Dave Emma
  • Bob Hamilton
  • Tom Diez
  • Joe Wilson
  • Don Becker
  • Andrew Hoffman

Heads up!

Please contribute your observation of this and other herps to the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey. Your help is needed.

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    Pennsylvania Herp Identification is an educational tool for the public on the reptiles and amphibians found though out Pennsylvania. The project also aims to create knowledge to Pennsylvania residents not only through the internet, but also through interaction with the public, with the help of volunteers in the field to communicate with individuals on a personal level. The site is also here to assist with other herp related questions and personal help with Identification with the simple use of our contact form. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or let us know how the site has helped you.
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    Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast

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