Dunn'S Salamander
ExploreAmphibians
Dunn'S Salamander
plethodon dunni
The Dunn's Salamander is a small and colorful creature that loves to hide under rocks and logs. These slippery little friends are great at blending into their forest homes!
Habitat: They live in moist forests and under leaf litter in the Pacific Northwest.
Appearance
The Dunn's Salamander is a slender amphibian, typically dark brown or black with a wavy yellow or greenish stripe running from its head down its back. Its underside is a mottled grey, and it possesses prominent bulging eyes. This distinct color pattern and sleek body shape help it blend into its rocky, stream-side habitat.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusPlethodon
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female Dunn's Salamanders guard their eggs fiercely, staying with them until they hatch!
No lungs! Dunn's Salamanders breathe entirely through their skin and mouth lining, needing constant moisture.
These salamanders hatch as tiny versions of adults, completely skipping a tadpole stage!
They can sometimes live for over 25 years in captivity, making them tiny, long-lived amphibians!
Special abilities
Ability
Airy Skin
Dunn's Salamander can absorb oxygen directly through its moist skin because it lacks lungs, helping it thrive in cool, damp environments.
Ability
Super Snapper Tongue
Dunn's Salamander has a lightning-fast, sticky tongue that helps them snatch unsuspecting insects and other tiny prey.
Ability
Escape Artist Tail
Dunn's Salamander can drop its tail if grabbed by a predator, because this allows them to escape while the predator is distracted.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 7.5-15 cm
- Weight
- 0.003-0.01 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Top Speed
- 1.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 5-20
Diet & Feeding
They munch on tiny invertebrates like insects, spiders, and mites found in damp soil and stream beds.
Primary Foods
- Springtails
- Mites
- Small spiders
- Insect larvae
- Ants
- Isopods
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
A common snake predator in their wetland habitat.
eaten by
Coastal Giant Salamander
Dicamptodon tenebrosus
Larger salamanders sometimes prey on smaller ones.
shelters
Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Fallen logs and needles provide damp hiding spots.
hunts
Wolf Spider
Pardosa amentata
Small spiders are a common food source for them.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Dunn's NewtDunn's PlethodonPacific Dunn's Salamander
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Dunn'S Salamander?
The easiest way to identify Dunn'S Salamander is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Dunn'S Salamander?
7.5-15 cm
How much does Dunn'S Salamander weigh?
0.003-0.01 kg
How long does Dunn'S Salamander live?
10-15 years
How fast can Dunn'S Salamander move?
1.5 km/h
What does Dunn'S Salamander eat?
They munch on tiny invertebrates like insects, spiders, and mites found in damp soil and stream beds.
Where is Dunn'S Salamander usually found?
They live in moist forests and under leaf litter in the Pacific Northwest.
How does Dunn'S Salamander hunt?
Foraging
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