Ouachita Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus brimleyorum
This salamander averages 7 inches in total length, has a laterally compressed tail, and 14 costal grooves. It has a stocky body with a small head and a thick neck. It has…
How to identify
This salamander averages 7 inches in total length, has a laterally compressed tail, and 14 costal grooves. It has a stocky body with a small head and a thick neck. It has short stubby legs, and a flat, elongated snout. Its dorsal coloration is tan to grey-brown with faint, uniform darker flecks. Its ventrum is solid light grey with no markings.
Range
West central Arkansas into southeastern Oklahoma.
Habitat
Lives in mountainous habitats near streams and springs. It can be found in ravine woodlands, talus slopes, and gravely stream islands. It likes to hide in rock crevices.
Variations
Juveniles have 2 rows of pale blotches down their back. Adult coloration ranges from light tan to dark grey.
Similar species
Quite similar in appearance to the spotted dusky salamander (*Desmognathus conanti*) which may overlap in range. Also looks a lot like the northern dusky salamander (*Desmognathus fuscus*) and seal salamander (*Desmognathus monticola*) which do not overlap.
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
brimleyorum
Honoring C.S. and H.H. Brimley.
Origin
Honors
Sources
- Stejneger, 1895. Proc. U. S. Natl. Mus., Vol. 17, p. 597 ↗
Desmognathus brimleyorum. Stejneger, 1895 - Proc. U. S. Natl. Mus., Vol. 17, p. 597
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
West central Arkansas into southeastern Oklahoma.
Habitat
Lives in mountainous habitats near streams and springs. It can be found in ravine woodlands, talus slopes, and gravely stream…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap