Species Reptiles & AmphibiansFour-toed Salamander

Four-toed Salamander

Hemidactylium scutatum

UncommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum)

The Four-toed Salamander is distinctive for having four toes on all four feet — most salamanders have five on the hind feet. It lays eggs in sphagnum moss overhanging woodland pools. Its tail breaks off at a constriction near the base.

Habitat
Boggy sphagnum swamps and moist forests near woodland pools
Diet
Small invertebrates and insects
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Four-toed Salamander

The best time to see a Four-toed Salamander is March–May, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,709 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Four-toed Salamander sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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