Dusky Salamander

Key Characteristics: Markings variable; light line extending from eye to angle of jaw; tail keeled.

Adults: 6.4-11.5cm. A small to medium sized salamander identified as a dusky salamander by a faint stripe from the rear corner of the mouth to behind the eye and rather large hind legs compared to the forelimbs. The Northern Dusky Salamander differs from Desmognathus ochrophaeus (Mountain Dusky) with its keeled tail (compressed laterally) and predominately aquatic association. Color ranges from reddish brown to tan and dorsal blotches are often present in younger specimens. Markings are extermely variable and are unreliable for identification.

Distribution: Common from Maine south to KY and TN. Locally abundant in small creeks and streams.

Habitat: Almost always found in or within close proximity to moving water; mainly mountain brooks, seepages and springs.