Added 2 March 2004. Last updated 24 March 2014: updated Introduction and Bibliography.
Hemidactylium is a monotypic genus. These are small salamanders with variable coloration and "odd habits" (Walls). Walls himself does not recommend them as captives except to specialists, as their humidity and coolness requirements may be difficult to achieve and may possibly need air conditioning if the vivarium is kept indoors. Nevertheless a longevity of nine years in captivity has been recorded, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Much of the information presented here comes from his article, which is worth reading. Zimmermann also gives details, although it should be pointed out that Walls' article is by far the more recent.
|
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
Distribution |
Size |
Notes |
|
Hemidactylium |
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H. scutium |
Four-Toed Salamander |
E Canada (inc. Nova Scotia and W Ontario around Great Lakes) and USA (NE seaboard inland as far as Wisconsin & SE Oklahoma, and south to E Louisiana and N Florida) |
2½-3" avg, 4" max |
This species is widely distributed across eastern N America, but in places its range is broken up into a number of isolated areas, especially in the NE and S/SW parts. It is associated with sphagnaceous areas, especially those adjacent to woods, and with boggy woodland ponds. Description: four toes on hind feet: tail constricted at base: 13-14 costal grooves. Coloration: black spots on white belly. Reproduction: males and females emigrate to areas near woodland ponds in late summer and autumn. Mating is terrestrial and follows the normal salamander pattern of the male pursuing the female, physically interacting with her and eventually leading her onto a spermatophore. Females store the sperm until after hibernation, when she lays the eggs in a nest. This may be as early as February in the south but usually April to June. 30-40 or more very large eggs are laid per clutch: multiple females may lay in the same nest, but only one will remain to guard the nest. Incubation takes 30-60 days. The larvae are aquatic but leave the water in 1-2 months. Sexual maturity is reached in 3 years. |
Keeping and B