© R. Wayne Van Devender

     The four-toed salamander is reddish brown above with a white belly marked with black spots.  As noted by its name, it only has four toes instead of the regular five on its hind feet.  Another distinguishing feature is the marked constriction at the base of the tail.  They range in size from 5 - 10.2 cm (2 - 4 in).  This species is usually found in seepage areas or shallow wetlands and in association with mossy habitat.  Courtship occurs in late winter to spring and the female lays 2 -3 dozen eggs in late March to mid May.   Females guard eggs until they hatch 6 - 8 weeks later.  A distinguishing feature of the larvae is that the upper tail fin extends to the base of the head.   The four-toed salamander becomes reproductively mature at approximately 1.5 years of age.

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