Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2431224
Northern Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus fuscusAlso known as Dusky Salamander
Northern dusky salamanders are stocky lungless amphibians that breathe entirely through their moist skin and mouth lining. They spend their days concealed under stream rocks and fallen logs, emerging at night to hunt small invertebrates along damp mossy banks. Females guard their egg clutches in moist microhabitats until the aquatic larvae hatch and move into flowing water.
AmphibianStream DwellerNocturnal
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic Fly Larvae
- Earthworms
- Spiders
Predators
- Garter Snakes
- Spring Salamanders
- Creek Chub
ThreatsSiltation, stream degradation, deforestation, and water pollution
HabitatsRocky woodland streams, seepages, springs, and muddy floodplains
Life span10 to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPlethodontidae
- SpeciesDesmognathus fuscus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Stream Etiquette: Gently flip stream rocks toward you to look underneath, replacing them softly in their original position.
- Moist Hands: Keep hands wet and free of bug spray or lotion if briefly handling amphibians to protect their sensitive skin.
- Night Searches: Scan trickling seepages with a red headlight after rainstorms when adults actively forage.
Co-occurring Amphibian D. Gordon E. Robertson / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Forest Competitor Alex Karasoulos / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative
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