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Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander

Desmognathus ochrophaeus

The Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander is a small, dark salamander that loves to live in cool, moist places. It has a smooth body and is often found near streams and under rocks in the forest.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander is a small, slender amphibian with a dark brown to black body. It often has a reddish, yellow, or orange stripe down its back, sometimes with chevron-like markings. A dark line runs from its eye to its jaw, and its belly is mottled gray.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusDesmognathus
Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander
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Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander

Category

Amphibians

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It can regrow its tail if a predator grabs it.

It can use its strong tail as a prop to climb steep rocks!

Mom salamanders guard their eggs for weeks until they hatch!

This salamander doesn't have any lungs to breathe!

Special abilities

Ability

Hydro-Respiration

Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander can breathe underwater and on land by absorbing oxygen through its moist skin and mouth lining.

Ability

Tail Eject

Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander can drop its tail to distract predators, allowing it to escape unharmed.

Ability

Super Sticky Tongue

Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander can catch fast insects by flicking out its long, sticky tongue with amazing speed.

Ability

Camo Master

Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander has varied skin patterns that help it blend perfectly into rocky and leafy forest floors.

Measurements & details

Length
7-12 cm
Weight
0.002-0.01 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
0.5 km/h
Clutch Size
10-30
Metamorphosis
60-90 days

Diet & Feeding

It munches on small insects and other tiny creatures found in the damp forest floor.

Primary Foods

  • Springtails
  • Mites
  • Small spiders
  • Insect larvae
  • Small worms
  • Snails

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Common Harvestman

Phalangium opilio

hunts for these tiny arachnids in the damp forest leaf litter.

eaten by

Common Gartersnake

Thamnophis sirtalis

eaten by this common garter snake in its habitat.

eaten by

Spring Salamander

Gyrinophilus porphyriticus

eaten by this larger, aquatic salamander species.

eaten by

Masked Shrew

Sorex cinereus

eaten by this small, fast-moving mammal.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a salamander, watch it from a distance and don't touch it, as they can be delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander?

7-12 cm

How much does Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander weigh?

0.002-0.01 kg

How long does Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander live?

5-10 years

How fast can Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander move?

0.5 km/h

What does Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander eat?

It munches on small insects and other tiny creatures found in the damp forest floor.

Where is Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander usually found?

Forests

How does Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander lay?

10-30

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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