Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander

Range

Clinton County, New York, south to Garrett County, Maryland, and west to Columbus, Ohio, through the Appalachian Plateau of Pennsylvania.

Habitats

The adult Desmognathus ochrophaeus tend to be rather stationary. It resides within a 1-meter radius in the temperate forest biome. You’re most likely to find this species near damp and wet areas like springs, wet rock faces and so on. They are nocturnal and eat forest floor invertebrates like earthworms, termites, centipedes etc. The females breed and deposit their eggs under moss, rocks, logs or near flowing water.

Identification

Their size ranges from 7 to 10 cm. They have moderately long and well-developed legs. They also come in a variety of colours, marking and proportions. Also called salamanders, these species have a long slender body and tapered tails. Their eyelids fit under a fold of skin being the eyes. Most adults of this species are coloured while others are brightly coloured. Down the back and tail, the adults and juveniles have a straight light-coloured stripe. The stripe can be in many other colours like olive, grey, brown, yellow, red and orange. This is also flanked by darker pigmentation that is mottled and fades into the lightly pigmented belly. The males and females generally resemble each other. Although, males are 12% bigger than females, they also have a darker body and a more curved jaw.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians