Dusky Salamanders
ExploreAmphibians
Dusky Salamanders
Desmognathus
Dusky Salamanders are small, slimy creatures that love to live in cool, wet places. They have smooth skin and can be found hiding under rocks or leaves in the forest.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Dusky Salamanders are typically brown to grayish-brown, often with a lighter stripe down their back. They have a stout body, robust limbs, and a distinctive keel-like tail that is compressed from side to side, making them visually distinct.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusDesmognathus
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female Dusky Salamanders carefully guard their clutch of eggs for many weeks until they hatch.
Some Dusky Salamanders can live in very cold mountain streams, even under sheets of ice!
Their eyes are fixed in place, meaning they must move their whole head to look around!
Unlike most salamanders, the larvae of some Dusky species stay entirely in the water.
Special abilities
Ability
Skin Breathers
Dusky Salamanders can breathe through their moist skin and mouth lining because they lack lungs as adults, helping them absorb oxygen.
Ability
Tail Escape
Dusky Salamanders can drop their tail if a predator grabs it, allowing them to escape danger and grow a new one later.
Ability
Stream Swimmers
Dusky Salamanders have a keeled, flattened tail that helps them powerfully propel themselves through fast-moving water.
Ability
Amphibious Grip
Dusky Salamanders have strong, flexible toes that help them climb and cling to slippery rocks and stream banks.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 7-15 cm
- Weight
- 0.003-0.02 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 0.2 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 10-30
- Metamorphosis
- 180-730 days
Diet & Feeding
These small hunters use keen senses to snap up tiny insects and other small creatures!
Age differences: Larvae eat microscopic aquatic invertebrates, while adults consume larger terrestrial and semi-aquatic prey.
Primary Foods
- springtails
- mites
- earthworms
- slugs
- insect larvae
- isopods
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
A common predator in their North American habitat.
eaten by
Masked Shrew
Sorex cinereus
Small mammals sometimes prey on these salamanders.
eats
Silky Ant
Formica fusca
Consumes various small ants found in moist habitat.
eats
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
Feeds on small earthworms found in damp soil.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch where you step in the forest to protect these little creatures and yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Dusky Salamanders?
7-15 cm
How much does Dusky Salamanders weigh?
0.003-0.02 kg
How long does Dusky Salamanders live?
5-10 years
How fast can Dusky Salamanders move?
0.2 km/h
What does Dusky Salamanders eat?
These small hunters use keen senses to snap up tiny insects and other small creatures!
Where is Dusky Salamanders usually found?
Forests
How does Dusky Salamanders hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Dusky Salamanders lay?
10-30
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