Foothills Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus anicetus
D. anicetus is a smaller, slender, round-tailed salamander, similar to other mountain inhabiting dusky salamander. Typically, adults have 6-8 paired diamond shaped dorsa…
How to identify
D. anicetus is a smaller, slender, round-tailed salamander, similar to other mountain inhabiting dusky salamander. Typically, adults have 6-8 paired diamond shaped dorsal blotches. These blotches my be fused into a continuous dorsal stripe with irregular borders.
Range
D. anicetus is a recently identified species with a limited distribution. It is currently known to inhabit the north-central region of South Carolina, specifically the Blue Ridge foothills, and potentially extends into adjacent areas of North Carolina. Their elevational range falls between 200 and 1100 meters above sea level.
Habitat
D. anicetus is found in streamside habitats under logs, rocks, and leaf packs. It can be found in smaller streams in lowland, ravine, and lower montane areas.
Similar species
D. anicetus can be easily confused with several close relatives, particularly D. conanti and D. carolinensis. Distinguishing features often require close examination by a trained professional. However, D. anicetus tends to have a more streamlined body shape and a bolder dorsal color pattern compared to D. conanti. D. carolinensis also has a more stocky build and typically lacks the extensive dorsal markings seen in D. anicetus.
Name and etymology
anicetus: Greek for invincible (aniketos) named after Greek god Anicetus
More illustrations
Striped pattern
At a glance
Range
D. anicetus is a recently identified species with a limited distribution. It is currently known to inhabit the north-central…
Habitat
D. anicetus is found in streamside habitats under logs, rocks, and leaf packs. It can be found in smaller streams in lowlan…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap