Long-toed Salamander
Ambystoma macrodactylum
This salamander is typically 1 to 3.5 inches long. It’s dark-skinned, with a tan, yellow or olive stripe down the spine and a light (white or pale blue) flecked belly and…
How to identify
This salamander is typically 1 to 3.5 inches long. It’s dark-skinned, with a tan, yellow or olive stripe down the spine and a light (white or pale blue) flecked belly and sides. A long fourth toe on each back foot gives the species its name.
Range
Long-toed salamanders are found along the western continent. Their range runs from British Columbia and Montana to Northern California.
Habitat
For living spaces, the Long-Toed Salamander prefers moist vegetation near water sources in forests, prairies or mountain meadows. They usually wind up occupying old or abandoned rodent burrows. At higher elevation(s), Long-Toed Salamanders hibernate in groups of up to 14 individuals. At lower elevations, though, they sometimes don’t hibernate at all!
Similar species
Name and etymology
Macrodactylum: Greek for long (makros) toes (dakylos).
More illustrations
Santa cruz long-toed salamander
Eastern long-toed salamander
Central long-toed salamander
Southern long-toed salamander
At a glance
Range
Long-toed salamanders are found along the western continent. Their range runs from British Columbia and Montana to Northern C…
Habitat
For living spaces, the Long-Toed Salamander prefers moist vegetation near water sources in forests, prairies or mountain mead…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap