ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Four-toed Salamander

 Four-toed Salamander


four-toed salamander

This salamander is rare and irregularly distributed across Ohio because it requires the special habitat of forests surrounding bogs.


Four-toed Salamander
Hemidactylium scutatum

At-a-Glance

Family: Plethodontidae (Lungless Salamanders)

Length: 2-3 inches

• Ohio Status: Species of Concern 
Description
This is the only salamander with four toes on hind feet and front feet, others have five toes. It is easily identified by its striking snow-white belly, speckled with black.

Habitat and Habits
The four-toed salamander lives close to boggy woodland ponds and swamps where it hides beneath logs, rocks, slabs of bark, and even leaves.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The female lays two to three dozen eggs close to water in early spring. She remains with them until they hatch six to eight weeks later.