Among the salamanders found in coastal Maine, five are primarily terrestrial 

 (table 18-2). These are the spotted, blue-spotted, red-backed, four-toed, and 

 dusky salamanders (the red-backed is entirely terrestrial). Except during the 

 breeding season these species are found in damp leaf-litter and under rocks 

 and logs in moist woodland habitats. The four-toed salamander prefers swampy 

 woods or peat bogs (Bleakney 1953). Two species, the spring and two-lined 

 salamanders, are entirely aquatic. They remain in fast-moving riverine 

 habitats throughout the year. 



The red-spotted newt has three stages: one terrestrial and two aquatic. The 

 red-spotted newt is found in moist woodland environments during the eft 

 (between larvae and adult) stage. When the time comes for their 

 transformation from eft to the adult stage, the efts migrate to emergent 

 wetlands and shallow waters of ponds and lakes, the preferred habitats of the 

 adult newt. 



The American toad, the gray tree frog, and the wood frog are primarily 

 terrestrial species that return to the water to breed (table 18-2). The true 

 frogs (genus Rana ) include species that range from almost totally aquatic 

 (e.g., bullfrog and green frog) to almost entirely terrestrial (e.g., wood 

 frog). The leopard frog is in the middle of this range, preferring grassy 

 meadows and marshes. 



Turtles found in the coastal zone are aquatic animals, occupying a variety of 

 lacustrine, riverine, and palustrine habitats throughout the year. The one 

 exception to this rule is the wood turtle, which is a terrestrial species. 

 The snapping and stinkpot turtles prefer sluggish streams. The leatherback 

 turtle prefers deep water marine habitats. 



Snakes are found in a variety of terrestrial habitats, including forests, old 

 fields, and agricultural land. The water snake is a semiaquatic species and 

 is found usually in or near water. 



BREEDING HABITS 



The breeding seasons of amphibian species differ considerably. Most breed in 

 spring or early summer but a few (such as the bullfrog and spring salamander) 

 breed in late summer or early fall (table 18-2). In spring, blue-spotted and 

 spotted salamanders seek the shallow waters of small ponds and lakes or small 

 temporary bodies of water to begin breeding displays and egg laying. The 

 four-toed salamander lays its eggs singly, dropping them into the water 

 (Oliver and Bailey 1939). The red-backed salamander completes its breeding 

 cycle within moist woodland habitat, where it deposits its eggs under rocks or 

 rotten logs. The dusky salamander lays its eggs on land and the larvae may 

 develop on land or migrate to nearby water, where development continues. The 

 more aquatic species (spring and two-lined salamanders) lay their eggs under 

 rocks and stones in fast-moving riverine habitats. The red-spotted newt is 

 unique among the salamanders found in coastal Maine because it is aquatic in 

 both the adult and larval stages. The eft stage is terrestrial and lasts from 

 1 to 3 years (usually 2). 



Upon hatching from the egg most salamanders undergo a gilled larval 

 development period, the length of which varies among species. An exception is 

 the red-backed salamander, which hatches from the egg as a miniature adult. 



18-4 



