Desmognathus fuscus
Northern Dusky Salamander
Photo taken by T. Anderson.
Photo credit unknown.
Photo credit unknown.
Ventral view. Photo credit unknown.
Photos of egg masses are below.
More images from google
Identification
The Northern Dusky Salamander is a grayish-brown salamander that is noticably chunkier than the Northern Two-lined Salamander. Adults range from 3 - 5½ inches long. White lines outlined in black start at the eye and angle down to their jaw. Their back legs are larger and stronger then their front legs, and their tail is partially keeled.
They lay their eggs under moss, and the females remain with the eggs until they hatch.
Range/Habitat
The Northern Dusky is found in saturated soil near streams or in seepages in forested areas. They do not travel very far from their streams and seeps.
Northern Dusky Salamanders are found statewide, but less often in the Northeast Kingdom.
Status
The Northern Dusky Salamander has a state natural heritage rank of S5 (common). It is locally common in good habitat. Please report sightings of this species in Vermont if you have not reported them within the last five years from a given location. Any natural history observations (feeding, migrations, road crossing areas, early or late season appearance, abnormalities, etc.) are appreciated. Photographs are always helpful, particularly if your report is the first report of this species from a town.
More Info
- Desmognathus fuscus at Animal Diversity website
- Desmognathus fuscus at Amphibiaweb
- Desmognathus fuscus at the CARCNET website
- Desmognathus fuscus at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History website
Species summary written by Kaile Burgess.
