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Pygmy Salamander

Pygmy salamander is a species of salamander found only in the United States. The species is the smallest salamander in the genus Desmognathus. There is no larval stage in the reproductive cycle of this species as it undergoes direct development.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Amphibia
    Order Urodela
    Family Plethodontidae
    Subfamily Plethodontinae
    Genus Desmognathus
    Scientific Name Desmognathus wrighti


    Size 3.5–4.4 cm (1.4–1.7 in)
    Color Generally light brown, but can be brick red to yellow with dark brown pigment on the back taking the shape of an inverted V-shape marking down the back
    Distribution North Carolina and Tennessee (United States)
    Habitat Temperate forests, intermittent rivers, freshwater springs
    Diet Soil mites, springtails, beetles, flies, moths, thrips, spiders, pseudoscorpions
    Breeding Season Late summer into autumn
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 8 to 9 eggs
    Reproductive Age Male: 2 to 3 years of age
    Female: 3 years of age
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    Pygmy Salamander Pictures Gallery

    Published on June 12th 2017 by under Salamanders. Article was last reviewed on 30th September 2019.

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