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State Reptiles and Amphibians List

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.

(3rd ed., 2000, Revised 2002)

James E. Cardoza & Peter G. Mirick, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Fauna of Massachusetts Series No. 3

AMPHIBIA

Date List Last Updated: August 17, 2006

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 contact MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Section (508-389-6300 x200) to obtain a rare animal observation form. 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 six which we now know did not occur in the state, three now regarded as variant names of other species, two of questionable identity, and one undescribed. The present list recognizes 51 species, including 21 amphibians and 30 reptiles. Of these, five are exclusively marine and one 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 three 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 data base). 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 confidence in our understanding. Soc. for the Study of Reptiles and Amphibians, Herp. Circular 29, 2000).

The taking, propagation, sale, and possession of reptiles and amphibians in Massachusetts is regulated under 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 or email: Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us 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.

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]
  • ______. 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. [Microfilmed by University Microfilms, Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Reel 967 of the series " English Books 1475-1640". Also reprinted in several published editions]
  • Wood, W. 1634. New England's prospect. Tho. Cotes for J. Bellamie, London, 98pp. [Microfilmed by University Microfilms, Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Reel 1162 of the series "English Books 1475-1640". Also 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]
  • ______. 1926. A time-table of New England frogs and toads. Bull. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. 38:11-14.
  • ______. 1929. The snakes of New England. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., Boston, Nat. Hist. Guides No. 1, 30pp.
  • ______. 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.
  • ______ and ______. 1983. Amphibians and reptiles of New England: habitats and natural history. Univ. Mass. Press, Amherst, 83pp.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • ______. 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.
  • ______. 1978. Massachusetts frogs and toads. Part 1. Mass. Wildl. 29(5):12-14.
  • ______. 1978. Frogs and toads. Part 2. Mass. Wildl. 29(6):12-19.
  • ______. 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 Soc., 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.