Northern Shovel-nosed Salamander
Desmognathus marmoratus
D. marmoratus is a small salamander, typically reaching a total length of 3.5 to 5 inches (9 to 12.5 cm) with a record length of 5.8 inches (14.6 cm) documented in Virgin…
How to identify
D. marmoratus is a small salamander, typically reaching a total length of 3.5 to 5 inches (9 to 12.5 cm) with a record length of 5.8 inches (14.6 cm) documented in Virginia. True to its name, it possesses a flattened, shovel-shaped head. The body color varies between shades of gray, brown, or black, often adorned with a mottled pattern on the back. Two rows of light spots may be visible along the sides.
Range
D. marmoratus ranges in mountain streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains northeast of the Pigeon River to southwestern Virginia. It can be found from 450–1600m in elevation.
Habitat
Shovel-nosed salamanders occurs in rocky riffle zones of a fastflowing, high-gradient mountain streams
Similar species
Shovel-nosed salamanders can be easily confused with Black-bellied Salamanders. However, key distinctions exist. Black-bellied salamanders have a less flattened head, more prominent eyes, and a more noticeable light stripe extending from the eye to the jawline. Additionally, Black-bellied salamanders frequent the edges of streams, spending time both in and out of the water, while Shovel-nosed salamanders are nearly fully aquatic salamander.
Southern Shovel-nosed Salamander
Desmognathus aureatus
Central Shovel-nosed Salamander
Desmognathus intermedius
Southern Blackbelly Salamander
Desmognathus amphileucus
Blue Ridge Blackbelly Salamander
Desmognathus mavrokoilius
Kanawha Blackbelly Salamander
Desmognathus kanawha
Cherokee Blackbelly Salamander
Desmognathus gvnigeusgwotli
Name and etymology
Marmoratus: Latin for marbled.
At a glance
Range
D. marmoratus ranges in mountain streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains northeast of the Pigeon River to southwestern Virginia.…
Habitat
Shovel-nosed salamanders occurs in rocky riffle zones of a fastflowing, high-gradient mountain streams
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap