Cumberland Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus abditus
A medium-brown salamander that may or may not have reddish brown blotchy patterning down its back and tail, and white flecks on its sides.
How to identify
A medium-brown salamander that may or may not have reddish brown blotchy patterning down its back and tail, and white flecks on its sides.
Range
Limited range in the Cumberland Plateau of east central Tennessee.
Habitat
Found under rocks in or within close proximity to flowing streams. They especially prefer moss-covered rocks beneath cascading water.
Variations
Blotchy pattern may be golden instead of reddish, or very faded, or completely absent. Some are a uniform dark brown with sparse or dense black, white, or brown speckling.
Similar species
Could be confused with several species, including the northern dusky salamander (*Desmognathus fuscus*), Allegheny Mountain dusky salamander (*Desmognathus ochrophaeus*), or Carolina Mountain dusky salamander (*Desmognathus carolinensis*).
Name and etymology
Genus
Desmognathus
Greek for jaw (gnathos) ligament (desmos).
Origin
Sources
- Baird, 1850. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Ser. 2, Vol. 1, p. 282 and p. 285 ↗
Desmognathus. Baird, 1850 - Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Ser. 2, Vol. 1, p. 282 and p. 285
Species epithet
abditus
Latin for obscure or secret.
Origin
Sources
- Anderson and Tilley, 2003. Systematics of the
Desmognathus abditus. Anderson and Tilley, 2003 - Systematics of the
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
Limited range in the Cumberland Plateau of east central Tennessee.
Habitat
Found under rocks in or within close proximity to flowing streams. They especially prefer moss-covered rocks beneath cascadin…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap