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Seal Salamander

The seal salamander belongs to the genus Desmognathus that is a juxtaposition of two Greek words ‘desmos’ and ‘gnathos’ meaning ligament and jaw respectively. This is in context to the numbers of ligament that hold the jaw together.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Subphylum Vertebrata
    Class Amphibia
    Order Caudata
    Family Plethodontidae
    Genus Desmognathus
    Scientific Name Desmognathus monticola


    Size 3-6 in (7.6-15.2 cm)
    Color Dark brown to tan, the back could have variable spots and patterns (net-like)
    Distribution Western Florida panhandle, western Maryland, western province of North Carolina, western side of South Carolina, central Alabama, eastern Tennessee, eastern Kentucky, northern and western Virginia(Appalachian Mountains) and southwestern Pennsylvania
    Habitat Muddy seepages, deciduous forests’ water streams like brooks, and rocky mountain streams
    Diet Aquatic invertebrates and smaller species of salamanders
    Breeding Season From late spring to early summer
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous
    Clutch Size 25-27 eggs
    Reproductive Age Males:3.5 years Females:4.5 years
    Average Lifespan 17-18 years (in captivity)
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern


    Seal Salamander Pictures Gallery

    Published on January 4th 2019 by under Salamanders. Article was last reviewed on 4th January 2019.

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