Four-toed Salamander

Hemidactylium scutatum (Schlegel)

This is our least common species. Most reports are from south central Nova Scotia, but the creature is small and secretive and easily overlooked. More reports would be very welcome.

The Four-toed Salamander is orange to reddish brown above with patches of black spots. It is the only white-bellied salamander in Nova Scotia. Its hind feet have four toes instead of five. This salamander species has no lungs. The animals breathe through their skins, and the lining of the roof of the mouth.

Four-toed salamander

Salamander with eggs

Its habitat is moist mossy woods, particularly in peat moss. Peat bogs or mossy areas bordering streams are good breeding sites. Adults lay eggs deep between the moss plants. The little larvae live in the water for a short while, then move to live on land.

Typical habitat

Portrait of a Four-toed Salamander