Maryland's Salamanders and Newts (Order Caudata)
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Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) |
 Adult Photo of Northern Dusky Salamander courtesy of Brian Gratwicke CC by 2.0 |
Size:
2½ - 4½ in; Record – 5 in. |
Appearance:Difficult to identify due to the highly variable coloration and pattern.
- Grey to brown body.
- Many individuals have a light stripe on the back extending from head to tail.
Younger individuals may have paired round yellowish spots bordered by a dark wavy band.
- In older individuals the spots are gone and the wavy band may be
indistinguishable from the body color.
- Two key features:
- a light line extends from the eye to the angle of the jaw, and
- a keeled tail, somewhat triangular in cross section. Base of tail is typically lighter than the rest of the back.
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Habitat:
Habitat Photo for Northern Dusky Salamander
courtesy of Rebecca Chalmers
- Most common along the edges of woodland streams under flat rocks and coarse woody debris.
- May also be found in springs and seepage areas in woodlands.
- Usually found in or immediately adjacent to water.
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Distribution in Maryland:
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