![]() ![]() conanti) and the flat-headed salamander ( D. The larval stage which follows is normally aquatic. The dusky salamander lays its eggs close to water under moss or rocks, in logs, or in stream-bank cavities. Alternatively, they may enter burrows for protection. They hide under various objects, such as leaves or rocks, either in or near water. ![]() They are most common where water is running or trickling. The species' habitat differs somewhat geographically dusky salamanders in the northern part of the range prefer rocky woodland streams, seepages, and springs, while those in the south favor floodplains, sloughs, and muddy places along upland streams. The size of the species' total population is unknown, but is assumed to easily exceed 100,000. It can be found in eastern North America from extreme eastern Canada in New Brunswick south to South Carolina. The northern dusky salamander is the most widespread representative of its genus in Canada. The species is commonly called the dusky salamander or northern dusky salamander to distinguish it from populations in the southern United States which form several distinct species, the southern dusky salamanders ( D. Duméril, 1854ĭesmognathus fuscus is a species of amphibian in the family Plethodontidae ( lungless salamanders). Carolina mountain duskies in some areas may reach densities of over 2,500 salamanders per acre.A.M.C. Miscellaneous: These three species are among the most abundant salamanders in many areas within their range. Hatchling salamanders emerge from their eggs with external gills and spend up to 10 months as fully-aquatic larvae before transforming into adults. The female remains with her eggs until they hatch. Reproduction: Females of all three species deposit their eggs under moss, rocks, or logs or under logs in or near flowing water. Salamanders of these three species are active almost exclusively at night and may be found climbing on vegetation while foraging, often far from water. Some individuals may be encountered far from water, with salamanders at higher elevations tending to be more terrestrial than individuals at lower elevations.ĭiet: All three species of mountain dusky salamanders are generalist predators which feed on stream and forest floor invertebrates. ![]() Individuals of all three species may be found along streams, in seepage areas, and on wet rock faces. Blue Ridge dusky salamanders are found furthest north and hybridize with Carolina mountain dusky salamanders at some locations where the two species come into contact. Carolina mountain dusky are found in the central portion of the North Carolina Blue Ridge. Ocoee salamanders are found in southwestern North Carolina and are separated from the Carolina mountain dusky salamander by the Pigeon River. Habitat/Range: These three species are very common in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Some individuals may exhibit red legs or cheek patches similar to those of several distasteful species ( Plethodon jordani and Plethodon shermani). Other individuals may have spotting or flecking on the back instead of a dorsal stripe and others, especially males, may be dark with little or no patterning. This stripe can be irregular or straight. Some individuals may have a stripe down the back that can vary in color from yellow to orange, red, or brown. Individuals of all three species have a round tail and a light line from the eye to the angle of the jaw. All three of these species exhibit highly variable coloration and are best separated from one another by location. Species in Complex: Carolina mountain dusky salamander ( Desmognathus carolinensis), Ocoee salamander ( Desmognathus ocoee), Blue Ridge dusky salamander ( Desmognathus orestes)ĭescription: These three species were all formerly considered to be a single species, Desmognathus ochrophaeus. ![]()
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