Guide to Amphibians of P.E.I.

• Newts
• Red-spotted newt

• Mole Salamanders
• Spotted salamander
• Blue-Spotted salamander

• Lungless Salamanders
• Redbacked salamander

• True Frogs
• Green frog
• Northern Leopard frog
• Wood frog

• True Toads
• American toad

• Treefrogs
• Spring peeper

Newts are not as slippery as most salamanders, with their skin being rougher and not slimy. The red-spotted newt is a fairly small, graceful looking salamander, averaging about 10 cm in length. The adults are green in base color, flecked in black, with one row of red spots haloed in black on either side. Adults are totally aquatic, however, a terrestrial sub-adult phase occurs which is called a red eft. Efts lack a tail fin, and are orange to brick red in color. Newts are found in permanent ponds, and lakes where there are few fish competitors, feeding exclusively on invertebrates.

Mating takes place in spring, in water, and after elaborate courtship. Eggs are laid individually on aquatic vegetation, then abandoned. From the larval phase, newts transform into terrestrial efts and will remain as such for one to five years, serving to disperse the population. The efts then transform into aquatic adults and generally remain so.

There is additional information on this species at:
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network

This is a robust, heavy bodied salamander averaging about 15 cm in length. The yellow or orange round light spots, arranged in an irregular row along each side of the back is their distinguishing characteristic. This salamander is mostly terrestrial, living in forest litter, under logs, or in burrows, preying on primarily invertebrates, but will devour anything of appropriate size. They are rarely seen except for mass migrations in early spring. Though secretive most of the year, the first heavy rains in the spring, usually result in nocturnal mass exodus to traditional breeding ponds. Eggs are laid in masses after courtship and mating, and will hatch in a few days. Larva usually transform in early July, then disperse.

There is additional information on this species at:
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network

Blue-spotted's are similar in structure and appearance to spotted salamanders though not as heavy bodied, being about 10 - 13 cm in length. They can be identified by the metallic blue flecks on the sides and legs over a dark base color. This species breeds in the spring in small ponds, ditches, etc.

There is additional information on this species at:
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network

This is a small, delicately built salamander, usually less than 10 cm in length. There is usually a broad reddish brown stripe down its back from snout to tail, identifying this salamander. If the stripe is absent, the sides and back are a uniform slate grey. This salamander is strictly terrestrial, living and breeding in the deep shade of mixed forests, feeding on small invertebrates. Redbacks can usually be found under rotten logs or moist leaf litter. Eggs are laid in moist cavities of rotten logs and the young hatch out as miniature adults.

There is additional information on this species at:
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network

This is a medium sized, moderately heavy bodied frog which is often mistaken for a small bullfrog. The head and shoulders are leaf green, often darkening posteriorly. Small, irregular black spots are randomly located on the back sides, and legs. They are found in virtually all permanent bodies of water, and are rarely far from water. They feed primarily on insects.

Breeding takes place in late spring or early summer. The call is a low "boing" likened to the twanging of a loose banjo string. Larva of the green frog usually overwinter, then transform the following spring; hence the tadpoles can be quite large.

There is additional information on this species at:
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network

This frog grows in size to between five and nine cm in length. It is a brown or green colored frog, with 2 or 3 rows of irregularly placed dark spots between conspicuous ridges. Also, there are numerous additional rounded dark spots on sides of the body. This species is found in or near virtually all standing water bodies, feeding on mostly invertebrates. In summer they disperse into fields and meadows, returning to water in the fall.

Northern leopard frogs breed in any standing water, starting in mid spring. This species is extremely prolific and abundant and because of this, it is extremely important in aquatic food chains.

There is additional information on this species at:
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network

This sleek looking frog is grey, brown or red in base color, often with dark spots on the sides and back. A dark racoon-like face mask is conspicuous in all specimens. This is the smallest true frog on PEI, rarely exceeding 6 cm.

Woodfrogs are very hardy and have the furthest northern range of any other species of amphibian or reptile. Locally, they are quite terrestrial and will inhibit most types of moist woods. Breeding occurs in early spring meltwater, usually when snow is still present. Their diet consists of invertebrates.

There is additional information on this species at:
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network

As with all members of this family, the American toad is best distinguished by it's rough, warty skin, and the two kidney shaped paratid glands located behind the eyes. Toads average about 5 cm in length. This species is entirely terrestrial as an adult. It is found in virtually all types of terrestrial habitats. Toads also have voracious appetites and consume, large numbers of insects and other invertebrates.

Toads breed in the spring in quiet waters (temporary or permanent), with the eggs being laid in long strings. The resulting tadpoles will transform into adults in early summer. One other feature worth mentioning is that the paratid gland secrets a toxin which makes toads inedible to most other animals.

There is additional information on this species at:
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network

Spring peepers belong to a group called the tree frogs and are well suited for arboreal life with adhesive disks at the end of their toes, long limbs and digits to cling to twigs and bark. Spring peepers are small, about 2-3.5 cm long, and light brown in color, which can be easily identified by the dark cross, or "X" marking on its back. Usually found in thick brush, swampland vegetation and moist woodlands, very rarely high in trees. In spring, during mating, they can be found in temporary sloughs, preferring abundant emergent or shrubby vegetation.

There is additional information on this species at:
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network

We offer a number of workshops and guided tours at the Macphail Woods and it is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the amphibians of Prince Edward Island. Check out the Events Calendar for more information. Web development and maintenance by Chris Martin.