A small woodland salamander of Appalachian high-elevation streams. Closely related to the eastern dusky salamander but restricted to mountain habitats.

Native status: Native to Appalachians

§ Quick facts

SizeTotal length 8–12 cm
Weight3–8 g
LifespanWild 8–12 years
OrderCaudata
FamilyPlethodontidae

§ Encyclopedia

The ocoee salamander is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. This salamander has a variety of colors and patterns, and got its name from Tennessee state wildflower. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, rivers, intermittent rivers, freshwater springs and wet rocks in mountainous areas of the Southeastern United States. It was first described by Nicholls in 1949. They are territorial and feed on small invertebrates. It is widely distributed in the southeastern United States and is listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Source: Wikipedia — Ocoee salamander Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Slim brown-gray salamander; mottled back pattern; small white spots along sides.

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

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small invertebrates.

Behavior. Common dusky salamander of Appalachian streams and seeps; restricted to high elevations.

§ Range

Appalachian Mountains

§ Habitat

Cool spring-fed streams, seeps, talus slopes

§ Threats

Climate-driven habitat warming, mountaintop mining, forest disturbance.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Support Appalachian forest protection. Oppose mountaintop coal mining. Maintain spring seeps.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

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