Dwarf Black-bellied Salamander
Desmognathus folkertsi
A dark brown salamander speckled with plentiful light brown and gold markings, and white specks on its sides. They can reach 6-8 cm in snout to vent length, and males are…
How to identify
A dark brown salamander speckled with plentiful light brown and gold markings, and white specks on its sides. They can reach 6-8 cm in snout to vent length, and males are slightly larger than females. Ventrum is generally darker than dorsum, and can also have light speckles.
Range
Limited range in the mountains of extreme northern Georgia and slightly across the borders of North and South Carolina.
Habitat
Most likely to be found in shallow areas of turbulent freshwater streams in temperate forest habitats. Also hides in leaf litter on the edges of streams.
Variations
Overall coloration can be shades of tan to dark greenish brown.
Similar species
Quite similar to the blackbelly salamander complex. Also resembles the northern dusky salamander (*Desmognathus fuscus*) or the shovel-nosed salamander (*Desmognathus marmoratus*).
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
folkertsi
Honoring George W. Folkerts
Origin
Honors
Sources
- Wikipedia: Desmognathus folkertsi ↗
“Desmognathus folkertsi.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_black-bellied_salamander
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
Limited range in the mountains of extreme northern Georgia and slightly across the borders of North and South Carolina.
Habitat
Most likely to be found in shallow areas of turbulent freshwater streams in temperate forest habitats. Also hides in leaf lit…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap