List of Amphibians of Massachusetts - Salamanders

Salamanders

• Common Mudpuppy Necturus maculosus (I?) (Introduced in Central and western Massachusetts) - Introduced to the Connecticut river in 1936. However, there are records from the Conn.River in Connecticut as early as 1875. The Mudpuppy has also reported from lakes in Berkshire County. Mudpuppies occur naturally in Lake Champlain and the Hudson river, but were probably introduced to Western Massachusetts.

• Jefferson Salamander Ambystoma jeffersonianum (SC) (Central and western Massachusetts) - Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, Hampshire, and Western Worcester County. Found west of the CT river. Most commonly mistaken for the Blue-spotted Salamander.

• Blue-spotted Salamander Ambystoma laterale (SC) (Reported from Eastern and central Massachusetts) - Reported from Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Eastern Worcester, and Norfolk County. Distinguised from most salamanders by its blue spots. Reports of Western Worcester county may represent the Jefferson salamander.

• Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum (Statewide except Nantucket county) - Common in most counties. Distinguished from other salamanders by its large size and yellow spots. Not to be confused with the smaller Blue-spotted Salamander.

• Marbled Salamander Ambystoma opacum (NT) (Statewide except Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties) - There are old records from Plymouth and Essex counties. 78 recent reports from 75 towns, as well as 27 historical records. This species is difficult to locate, making it rare.

• Northern Dusky Salamander Desmognathus fuscus (Statewide except Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties) - Common in most counties.

• Northern Two-lined Salamander Eurycea bislineata (Statewide except Dukes, Nantucket, and possibly Barnstable counties) - Common in most counties. May be found in Barnstable County.

• Spring Salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus (Central and western Massachusetts) - Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester counties.

• Four-toed Salamander Hemidactyllium scutatum (Statewide except possibly Suffolk county) - Found in every county except Suffolk County. This species is delisted. The smallest salamander in Massachusetts, the Four-toed Salamander is distinguished from other salamanders because it only has four digits on its feet, which is unusual for a salamander. Also, its belly is white with tiny black spots, and can voluntarily shed its tail posterior to the hind feet, which is a way to distract predators. It has been observed in all counties except Nantucket island.

• Eastern Red-backed Salamander Plethodon cinereus (Statewide) - Thought to be the most common salamander in Massachusetts. Found throughout the state, including Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

• Eastern Newt Notopthalmus viridescens (Statewide except Nantucket county) - The only Newt in Massachusetts. Common throughout the state except Nantucket county.