A medium-sized salamander endemic to specific Appalachian streams.

Also called: Carolina Mountain Dusky

Native status: Native to southern Appalachians

§ Quick facts

SizeTotal length 8–11 cm
Weight2–7 g
LifespanWild 7–12 years
OrderCaudata
FamilyPlethodontidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Carolina mountain dusky salamander is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae.

Source: Wikipedia — Carolina mountain dusky salamander Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small dusky salamander; brown to gray-brown back with mottled pattern; whitish belly.

Similar species. Other Desmognathus species (expert ID often needed).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small invertebrates.

Behavior. Endemic to Smoky Mountains and nearby southern Appalachian forests. Small stream-edge salamander; sensitive to forest disturbance.

§ Range

Southern Appalachian Mountains

§ Habitat

High-elevation streams

§ Threats

Climate change, stream degradation.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the carolina mountain dusky salamander is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support southern Appalachian conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • Davidson College Herpetology Lab
  • IUCN Red List 2014