MassWildlife's
State Reptiles & Amphibians List
(4th ed., 2000, Revised 2002, 2006)
James E. Cardoza & Peter G. Mirick, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries
and Wildlife
Fauna of Massachusetts Series No. 3
Introduction:
Reptiles and amphibians have figured prominently in the folklore
and superstitions of almost every culture and civilization throughout
history. The secretive habits, unusual shapes, and, in some cases,
dangerous attributes of these animals have always given them exalted
status in the realms of the imagination. According to fossil evidence,
reptiles and amphibians have each been the dominant land vertebrates
during various periods in the earth's history. Salamander like
amphibians as large as crocodiles once cruised through primeval
swamps, and were later supplanted by the scaly-skinned, desiccation-resistant
reptiles whose tracks can still be seen in the sedimentary rock
strata of the Connecticut River valley. Modern reptiles and amphibians,
drastically reduced in size and status from former times, are
today in need of public compassion, protection and understanding
to survive in an increasingly human altered environment.
Historically, the scientific community regarded
reptiles and amphibians as lesser members of wildlife communities;
consequently, comparatively little research was conducted on their
ecological roles and requirements until relatively recently. Today
they are recognized as important and dynamic elements of biodiversity
with essential functions in food webs, soil and wetland ecology,
and the energy recycling systems of forests. Research indicates
that these two faunal groups, especially the amphibians, may be
among the best indicators of environmental quality. Several species
have also made important contributions to medical science, providing
the basis of many life-saving drugs. As further light is shed
on the functioning of their immune systems, skin secretions, venoms,
and other physiological and biochemical processes, it seems certain
that reptiles and amphibians will yield many other useful discoveries.
(*) . More on List
History and Bibliography follows the
species listing.
We thank T.W. French for his careful and constructive review
of this publication.
Those species appearing on the current list of Endangered, Threatened,
and Special Concern species in Massachusetts as authorized by
M.G.L. c. 131, § 4(13A) and c. 131A, § 4 are indicated
with an asterisk (*) below..
|
AMPHIBIA
Date List Last Updated: April 5, 2007
CAUDATA: Necturidae (Mudpuppies
and Waterdogs)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Mudpuppy |
Necturus maculosus |
Introduced to the Connecticut River drainage in Amherst
some years prior to 1936. However, there are records from the Conn.
River in CT as early as 1875. The mudpuppy is also reported from a
few lakes in southern Berkshire County. Mudpuppies do occur naturally
in Lake Champlain in VT and in the Hudson River, but were probably
introduced to the western Massachusetts locales. |
CAUDATA: Ambystomatidae (Mole Salamanders)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Jefferson Salamander* |
Ambystoma jeffersonianum |
Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. Listed as
Special Concern. NOTE: Polyploid "species" formerly described
as "Tremblay's Salamander" (Ambystoma tremblayi) and Silvery Salamander
(Ambystoma platineum) are now considered to be genetic variants of
the Jefferson- Blue-spotted salamander complex, containing 2-4 sets
of chromosomes. |
| Blue-spotted Salamander* |
Ambystoma laterale |
Reported from Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, and eastern Worcester
counties. Records of specimens west of Worcester County may represent
Ambystoma jeffersonianum and other members of this species complex.
Listed as Special Concern |
| Spotted Salamander |
Ambystoma maculatum |
Statewide except Martha's Vineyard Island and Nantucket County. |
| Marbled Salamander* |
Ambystoma opacum |
Statewide except Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties. There
are old records for Essex and Plymouth counties. Listed as Threatened. |
Salamandridae (Newts)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Eastern Newt |
Notophthalmus viridescens |
Statewide except Nantucket County. |
Plethodontidae (Lungless Salamanders)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Northern Dusky Salamander |
Desmognathus fuscus |
Statewide except Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket Counties. |
| Eastern Red-backed Salamander |
Plethodon cinereus |
Statewide. |
| Four-toed Salamander* |
Hemidactylium scutatum |
Statewide except Nantucket and possibly Suffolk counties.
Listed as Special Concern. |
| Spring Salamander |
Gyrinophilus porphyriticus |
Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester
counties. |
| Northern Two-lined Salamander |
Eurycea bislineata |
Statewide except Dukes, Nantucket, and possibly Barnstable
counties. |
ANURA: Pelobatidae (Spadefoot Toads)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Eastern Spadefoot* |
Scaphiopus holbrookii |
Eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut River valley area. Extirpated
from Martha's Vineyard Island. Listed as Threatened. |
Bufonidae (True Toads)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| American Toad |
Bufo americanus |
Statewide except Nantucket County. |
| Fowler's Toad |
Bufo fowleri |
Statewide except probably extirpated from Nantucket County. |
Hylidae (True Tree Frogs)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Spring Peeper |
Pseudacris crucifer |
Statewide |
| Gray Treefrog |
Hyla versicolor |
Statewide except Martha's Vineyard Island and Nantucket County. |
Ranidae (True Frogs)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| American Bullfrog |
Rana catesbeiana |
Statewide except Dukes County. Recently introduced to Nantucket
island and probably established there. |
| Green Frog |
Rana clamitans |
Statewide. |
| Pickerel Frog |
Rana palustris |
Statewide. |
| Northern Leopard Frog |
Rana pipiens |
Statewide except Barnstable, Dukes & Nantucket Counties. Due
to the widespread release of leopard frogs from extra-limital sources,
their original distribution and native status is uncertain. |
| Wood Frog |
Rana sylvatica |
Statewide except Dukes and Nantucket counties. |
REPTILIA
TESTUDINES: Chelydridae (Snapping
Turtles)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Snapping Turtle |
Chelydra serpentina |
Statewide. |
Kinosternidae (American Mud and
Musk Turtles)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Eastern musk turtle |
Sternotherus odoratus |
Statewide except Dukes and Nantucket counties. |
Emydidae (Pond Turtles)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Painted Turtle |
Chrysemys picta |
Statewide. |
| Spotted Turtle |
Clemmys guttata |
Statewide except northern Berkshire County and
possibly Suffolk County.
|
| Wood Turtle* |
Gleptemys insculpta |
Statewide north and west of northern Bristol and
Plymouth counties. Reports from Barnstable County probably reflect
released animals. Listed as Special Concern.
|
| Bog Turtle* |
Gleptemys muhlenbergii |
Recorded from Berkshire County only. Listed as
Endangered in MA and Threatened on U.S.F.W.S. list.
|
| Blanding's Turtle* |
Emydoidea blandingii |
Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth (1994)
and Worcester counties. Older records exist for Franklin County.
Listed as Threatened.
|
| Diamond-backed Terrapin* |
Malaclemmys terrapin |
Coastal areas of Barnstable, Bristol, and Plymouth
counties. Introductions of terrapins from extralimital sources occurred
on at least two occasions. Listed as Threatened .
|
| Northern Redbellied Cooter* |
Pseudemys rubriventris |
Formerly listed as "Plymouth Redbelly Turtle"
(Pseudemys rubriventris bangsi). Recorded from Plymouth County.
Listed as Endangered.
|
| Eastern Box Turtle* |
Terrapene carolina |
Statewide. Genetic identity disrupted by releases of box turtles
from extralimital sources. Listed as Special Concern.
|
TESTUDINES: Cheloniidae (Sea Turtles)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
|
Loggerhead Seaturtle*
|
Caretta caretta |
Recorded from coastal southeastern Massachusetts.
Listed as Threatened.
|
| Green Seaturtle* |
Chelonia mydas |
Uncommon vagrant from southern waters. Recorded
from coastal Barnstable County. Listed as Threatened.
|
| Hawksbill Seaturtle* |
Eretmochelys imbricata
|
Rare vagrant from southern waters. Recorded from
coastal Barnstable County in 1909, 1968, and 1989. Listed as Endangered.
|
| Kemp's Ridley Seaturtle* |
Lepidochelys kempii
|
Recorded from coastal southeastern Massachusetts.
Listed as Endangered.
|
TESTUDINES: Dermochelyidae (Leatherback
Sea Turtle)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Leatherback Seaturtle* |
Dermochelys coriacea |
Recorded from coastal southeastern Massachusetts. Older records
from coastal Essex and Suffolk counties. Listed as Endangered. |
LACERTILIA: Scincidae (Skinks)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Common Five-lined Skink |
Eumeces fasciatus |
Extirpated. Recorded from Worcester County prior to 1840 and Bristol
County c. 1869. However, both the localities and the habitat seem
unusual for this lizard and the records are puzzling. |
SERPENTES: Colubridae (Harmless
Snakes)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Eastern Wormsnake* |
Carphophis amoenus |
Recorded from Connecticut River valley in Hampden and Hampshire
counties. Listed as Threatened. |
| Eastern Racer |
Coluber constrictor |
Statewide except Nantucket County. Local subspecies known as "black
racer" |
| Ringnecked Snake |
Diadophis punctatus |
Statewide |
| Eastern Ratsnake* |
Elaphe obsoleta |
Recorded from Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties.
Local subspecies called "black rat snake". Listed as Endangered. |
| Eastern Hognosed Snake |
Heterodon platirhinos |
Probably statewide except Dukes and Nantucket counties. |
| Milksnake |
Lampropeltis triangulum |
Statewide. |
| Northern Watersnake |
Nerodia sipedon |
Statewide except Dukes County. |
| Smooth Greensnake |
Opheodrys vernalis |
Statewide. |
| DeKay's Brownsnake |
Storeria dekayi |
Statewide except Martha's Vineyard Island and Nantucket County.
|
| Red-bellied Snake |
Storeria occipitomaculata |
Statewide except Nantucket County. |
| Eastern Ribbonsnake |
Thamnophis sauritus |
Statewide. |
| Common Gartersnake |
Thamnophis sirtalis |
Statewide. |
SERPENTES: Viperidae (Vipers and
Pit Vipers)
|
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Distribution |
| Copperhead* |
Agkistrodon contortrix |
At present, found only in Hampden and Norfolk counties. Listed as
Endangered. |
| Timber Rattlesnake* |
Crotalus horridus |
At present, found only in Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Norfolk
counties. Listed as Endangered. |
STATE HERP LIST INFORMATION & HISTORY
It is hoped that this list of the Commonwealth's reptiles
and amphibians will continue to serve not only as a useful reference,
but will also inspire interest in these unique- often beautiful- animals,
many populations of which are decreasing in number and range. These declines
are due to many factors including loss of habitat to housing and highway
development, road mortality, collection as pets, pollution and predation.
Compounding the problem is the fact that reptiles and amphibians lack
the mobility of birds and mammals. Geographic features and human-generated
obstructions such as roads often present formidable or even insurmountable
barriers to their dispersal or their return to areas from which they have
been extirpated. Turtles, due to their extremely low reproductive rates,
attraction to roadsides, and the propensity of people to capture and transport
them, present a particularly difficult conservation challenge. Turtles
are, in fact, the most threatened of the faunal groups in Massachusetts.
Help them across roads if you can do so safely, but please do not transport
them to new locations.
The public can add significantly to our knowledge of the
range and distribution of our uncommon species by reporting sightings
or road mortalities encountered in the field. The documentation of those
listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern (see below) is particularly
encouraged. A rare species report made by the public is often the first
crucial step in ensuring the protection of the animal's habitat and the
conservation of its population. If you encounter one of these rare animals,
take a photograph if possible, note the date and exact location, and obtain
a rare animal observation form from MassWildlife's website in the Natural
Heritage area or contact MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered
Species Section (508/389-6360). Locality information for such species
remains confidential except for official purposes.
The first list of reptiles and amphibians of Massachusetts
was prepared by D.S.C.H. Smith in 1835. Smith, who lumped amphibians and
reptiles in the same class, listed 34 "species", including 6
which we now know did not occur in the state, 3 now regarded as variant
names of other species, 2 of questionable identity, and 1 undescribed.
The present list recognizes 51 species, including 21 amphibians and 30
reptiles. Of these, 5 are exclusively marine and 1 has been extirpated,
leaving 47 inland species potentially present in the state. There are
also 38 other species and subspecies which have occurred as escapes or
have been illegally released (see Fauna Series #6). This includes the
Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) which has been documented
as breeding in some areas of the state and the Braminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops
braminus) which has been found at 3 sites in the North End of Boston since
1990.
State records are based on specimen or photographic evidence, including
those reported in the technical literature or otherwise known to the Division
of Fisheries and Wildlife. The skink records are accepted without extant
specimen evidence on the basis of identifiable descriptions by competent
herpetologists.
Distributional information, in most instances, is given by county or
region, and is based on published records, specimen data, cooperator reports,
and on files of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (including the
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program database). Distributional
data are not necessarily definitive, however, and in many instances reflect
the need for further investigations of certain species. Some species peripheral
to Massachusetts may, upon further investigation, be found within the
bounds of the state.
For consistency, nomenclature follows Crother B.I. et al. (Scientific
and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America
north of Mexico, with comments regarding our understanding. SSAR Herpetological
Circular 29, 2000) as updated (Herpetological Review 34:196-2203, 2003).
The taking, propagation, sale, and possession of reptiles and amphibians
in Massachusetts is regulated under by provisions of the Massachusetts
General Laws, Chapter 131. The taking and possession of native species
from the wild is governed by M.G.L. c. 131, § 5, and 321 CMR 3.05.
Possession, sale, and propagation of both native and exotic species is
governed by M.G.L. c. 131, § 23, and 321 CMR 2.12 and 9.01. State-listed
"rare" species are governed by provisions of c. 131A and 321
CMR 10.00. Strict penalties may be applied to violations. Questions may
be addressed to MassWildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species
Program, Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough 01581.
A selected bibliography of Massachusetts and regional faunal lists dealing
with reptiles and amphibians follows the species listing.
We thank T.W. French for his careful and constructive review of this
publication.
STATE HERP LIST BIBLIOGRAPHY
The following bibliography contains all the regional, state, and local
herpetofaunal lists known to us. It does not contain references which
pertain to only a single species or to a small group of species. Some
of the references listed contain errors and it would be wise to consult
the original sources or specimens wherever possible. The historical references
cited are not faunal lists but do have brief remarks on a few reptiles
and amphibians. Faunal records for the period 1620-1840 are scanty, although
sometimes records can be gleaned from town histories, diaries, and similar
sources.
Historical:
- Josselyn, J. 1672. New England's rarities discovered. G. Widdowes,
London, 114pp. [Reprinted by W. Veazie, Boston, 1865]
- Josselyn, J. 1674. An account of two voyages to New England. G. Widdowes,
London, 279pp. [Reprinted by W. Veazie, Boston, 1865]
- Morton, T. 1637. New English Canaan or New Canaan. J.F. Stam, Amsterdam,
188pp. Reprinted in several published editions
- Wood, W. 1634. New England's prospect. Tho. Cotes for J. Bellamie,
London, 98pp. Reprinted in several published editions
Regional:
- Babcock, H.L. 1919. The turtles of New England. Mem. Boston Soc. Nat.
Hist. 8(3):325-431. [Reprinted by Dover Publ., New York, 1971, as "Turtles
of the Northeastern United States]
- Babcock, H.L. 1926. A time-table of New England frogs and toads. Bull.
Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. 38:11-14.
- Babcock, H.L. 1929. The snakes of New England. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist.,
Boston, Nat. Hist. Guides No. 1, 30pp.
- Babcock, H.L. 1938. Field guide to New England turtles. New Engl.
Mus. Nat. Hist., Boston, Nat. Hist. Guides No. 2, 56pp.
- DeGraaf, R.M. and D.D. Rudis 1981. Forest habitat for reptiles and
amphibians of the Northeast. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Northeastern Forest
Expt. Station and Eastern Region, 239pp.
- DeGraaf, R.M. and D.D. Rudis. 1983. Amphibians and reptiles of New
England: habitats and natural history. Univ. Mass. Press, Amherst, 83pp.
- DeGraaf, R.M. and M. Yamasaki. 2001. New England wildlife: habitat,
natural history, and distribution. University Press of New England,
Hanover, N.H., 482pp.
- De Sola, C.R. 1931. The turtles of the northeastern states. Bull.
N.Y. Zool. Soc. 34(5):131-160.
- Dunn, E.R. 1930. The New England salamanders. Bull. Boston Soc. Nat.
Hist. 57:23-32.
- Henshaw, S. 1904. Fauna of New England. 1. List of the Reptilia. Occ.
Pap. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. 7:1-12. ______. 1904. Fauna of New England.
2. List of the Batrachia. Occ. Pap. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. 7:1-10.
- Henshaw, S. 1904. Fauna of New England. 2. List of the Batrachia.
Occasional Papers of the Boston Society of Natural History 7:1 10.
- Klemens, M.W. 1993. Amphibians and reptiles of Connecticut and adjacent
regions. Conn. State Geol. Nat. Hist. Surv. Bull. 112, 318pp.
- State:
- Allen, J.A. 1868. Catalogue of the reptiles and batrachians found
in the vicinity of Springfield, Massachusetts, with notices of all the
other species known to inhabit the state. Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist.
12:171-204, 248-250.
- Allen, J.A. 1870. Notes on Massachusetts reptiles and batrachians.
Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. 13:260-263.
- Babbitt, L.H. and T.E. Graham 1972. Snakes of Massachusetts. Mass.
Wildl. 23(6):7-9, 14-19.
- Graham, T.E. 1970. Sportsman's guide to Massachusetts freshwater turtles.
Mass. Wildl. 21(1):8-13.
- Graham, T.E. 1978. Massachusetts frogs and toads. Part 1. Mass. Wildl.
29(5):12-14.
- Graham, T.E.1978. Frogs and toads. Part 2. Mass. Wildl. 29(6):12-19.
- Graham, T.E. 1978. Salamanders of Massachusetts. Mass. Wildl. 29(2):2-9,
15-16.
- Jackson, S. and P. Mirick. [1993]. Massachusetts snakes: a guide.
Univ. Mass. Coop. Ext. Serv. and Mass. Div. Fisheries & Wildlife, 20pp.
- Lazell, J.D., Jr. 1972. Reptiles and amphibians in Massachusetts (2nd
ed.) Mass. Audubon Society, Lincoln, 34pp.
- Smith, D.S.C.H. 1835. Reptilia, or reptiles. Pages 534-535 in E. Hitchcock.
Report on the geology, mineralogy, botany, and zoology of Massachusetts.
- J.S. & C. Adams, Amherst, Mass., 702pp. Storer, D.H. 1840. A report
on the reptiles of Massachusetts. Boston J. Nat. Hist. 3(1):1-64.
- Storer, D.H. and W.B.O. Peabody. 1839. Report on the ichthyology,
herpetology and ornithology of Massachusetts. Published agreeably to
an order of the Legislature, Dutton & Wentworth, Boston, 426pp.
Local:
- Anderson, K.S. n.d. Reptiles and amphibians. In Hockomock, wonder
wetland. Mass. Audubon Society, Lincoln, [34]pp.
- Dunn, E.R. 1930. Reptiles and amphibians of Northampton and vicinity.
Bull. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. 57:3-8.
- Greer, A.E., Jr., T.S. Doyle, and P. Arnold 1973. An annotated checklist
of the amphibians and reptiles of Concord, Carlisle, and Bedford, Massachusetts.
Harvard Univ., Cambridge, Mass., Concord Field Sta., Guide to Res. No.
4, 22pp.
- Lazell, J.D., Jr. 1976. This broken archipelago: Cape Cod and the
islands, reptiles and amphibians. Quadrangle Press, New York Times Book
Co., New York, 260pp.
- Marcussen, M.J. 1972. Reptiles and amphibians. Page 27 in The Great
Woods. Mass. Audubon Society, Lincoln, 31pp.
- Putnam, F.W. 1865. Statements concerning the frogs and toads found
about Cambridge, Mass. Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. 9:229-230.
- Rickettson, O.G., Jr. 1911. A list of Reptilia collected at Concord,
Massachusetts. Thoreau Mus. Nat. Hist., Middlesex School, Concord, Mass.,
Proc. 1:11-13.
Questions? Comments? Email us! Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us
Date Last Updated:
April 5, 2007
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