List of amphibians of Massachusetts facts for kids
Welcome to a list of amazing amphibians you can find in Massachusetts! Amphibians are cool creatures like salamanders, frogs, and toads that can live both in water and on land. This list tells you about all the different kinds of amphibians that live freely in Massachusetts, not just those kept in zoos or as pets.
Salamanders in Massachusetts
Common Mudpuppy
The Common mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is a type of salamander that is quite common in Massachusetts. It was first brought to the Connecticut River in 1936. However, there are older records from 1875 in Connecticut. Mudpuppies have also been seen in lakes in Berkshire County, which suggests they might be native to Western Massachusetts.
Jefferson Salamander
The Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) is not very common. You'll mostly find it in Western Massachusetts. This salamander sometimes mates with the blue-spotted salamander, creating hybrids. Because of losing its natural home, it's a species of special concern in Massachusetts.
Blue-spotted Salamander
The Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale) is also uncommon. It has been seen in Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, eastern Worcester, and Norfolk counties. You can easily spot it by its blue spots! Like the Jefferson salamander, it's a species of special concern due to habitat loss.
Spotted Salamander
The Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) is a common salamander found all over Massachusetts, except on Nantucket island.
Marbled Salamander
The Marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum) is rare in Massachusetts. You won't find it on Cape Cod, Nantucket, or Dukes County. It's considered a threatened species here. It's hard to find them, and Massachusetts is almost the northernmost place they live.
Northern Dusky Salamander
The Northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) is common throughout Massachusetts. However, it is not found on Cape Cod, Dukes, or Nantucket counties.
Northern Two-lined Salamander
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The Northern two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata) is common across Massachusetts, except for Dukes County and Nantucket. It is rare on Cape Cod.
Spring Salamander
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The Spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) can be found in Central and Western Massachusetts. It's locally common to uncommon in these areas.
Four-toed Salamander
The Four-toed salamander (Hemidactyllium scutatum) is common but rarely seen. It lives all over Massachusetts, possibly except for Suffolk County.
Eastern Red-backed Salamander
The Eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) is very common and can be found everywhere in Massachusetts.
Eastern Newt
The Eastern newt (Notopthalmus viridescens) is common throughout Massachusetts, except on Nantucket.
Frogs and Toads in Massachusetts
Eastern Spadefoot
The Eastern spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii) is a rare toad in Massachusetts and is considered threatened. Most of them live on Cape Cod and in coastal Essex County. You can also find them in the Connecticut River Valley. Sadly, they have disappeared from some areas due to losing their homes.
American Toad
The American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) is a common toad found all over Massachusetts, except on Nantucket.
Fowler's Toad
The Fowler's toad (Anaxyrus fowleri) is common. It used to be found everywhere in the state. However, it has disappeared from Nantucket, Cuttyhunk Island, Muskeget Island, and parts of Martha's Vineyard because of pollution. A group of them still lives on Tuckernuck Island.
Gray Treefrog
The Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) is common throughout Massachusetts, possibly except for Nantucket.
Spring Peeper
The Spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) is a common frog found all over Massachusetts.
American Bullfrog
The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana) is a common frog found everywhere in Massachusetts. It was introduced to Nantucket.
American Green Frog
The American green frog (Lithobates clamitans) is a common frog found all over Massachusetts.
Pickerel Frog
The Pickerel frog (Lithobates palustris) is a common frog found all over Massachusetts.
Northern Leopard Frog
The Northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) is uncommon and its numbers are decreasing. It is found throughout Massachusetts, except for Nantucket, Cape Cod, and Dukes County.
Southern Leopard Frog
The Southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephala) was introduced to Massachusetts. Frogs found in different areas were probably ones that escaped from captivity. They might soon become established in the wild.
Wood Frog
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The Wood frog (Lithobates sylvatica) is a common frog found all over Massachusetts, except for Dukes County and Nantucket.
