Carolina Swamp Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus valtos
D. valtos is a medium-sized dusky salamander. The body coloration is a dark greenish-gray with an orangish wash on the back. The belly is more colorful, with a speckled…
How to identify
D. valtos is a medium-sized dusky salamander. The body coloration is a dark greenish-gray with an orangish wash on the back. The belly is more colorful, with a speckled pattern of brown, yellow, and white.
Range
D. valtos is a recently described species with a limited distribution in the southeastern United States. Its range stretches from southeastern Georgia northward to North Carolina and potentially into nearby areas.
Habitat
D. valtos prefer permanently wet areas with abundant leaf litter and woody debris for hiding. Streams, ponds, and bogs within swampy forests are ideal habitats.
Similar species
D. valtos range overlaps with that of its close relative, D. auriculatus, but D. valtos appears to prefer permanently swampy habitats.
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
valtos
Greek for swamp (valtos) referencing it's primary habitat
Origin
Sources
- The Reptile Database: Desmognathus valtos ↗
Uetz, P., et al. The Reptile Database. s.v. “Desmognathus valtos.” https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Desmognathus&species=valtos
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
D. valtos is a recently described species with a limited distribution in the southeastern United States. Its range stretches…
Habitat
D. valtos prefer permanently wet areas with abundant leaf litter and woody debris for hiding. Streams, ponds, and bogs withi…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap