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Northern Dusky Salamander

Endemic to North America, the species is a small-sized salamander. Its larval stage is entirely aquatic and after becoming mature the salamander uses the sense of smell for predation and finding potential mates.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Order Urodela
    Family Plethodontidae
    Subfamily Plethodontinae
    Genus Desmognathus
    Scientific Name Desmognathus fuscus


    Other Names Dusky salamander
    Size Males: 4 in (9.4 Cm) Females: 3.3 in (9 Cm)
    Color Olive or gray to reddish brown body, gray or white underside, dark spots throughout the body
    Distribution United States of America, Central-eastern Canada
    Habitat Seepages, water bodies, streams
    Diet Invertebrates like earthworms and arthropods
    Predators Crayfish, snakes, birds, and larger salamanders
    Breeding Season Fall and Spring
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous
    Clutch Size 10-30 eggs
    Reproductive Age 3-4 years
    Average Lifespan 10-15 years
    IUCN Conservation Status Least concern

    Northern Dusky Salamander Pictures Gallery

    Published on January 3rd 2019 by under Salamanders. Article was last reviewed on 29th December 2018.

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