Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)
Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)
The northern dusky salamander, Desmognathus fuscus, is an amphibian in the family of lungless salamanders; without the use of their lungs, they absorb oxygen through the skin. They are widespread and can be found in eastern Canada through Florida and west to Louisiana. In the northern ranges the dusky salamander prefers rocky woodland streams, seepages, and springs, and in the southern ranges, they occupy floodplains, sloughs, and muddy places along upland streams. They hide under leaves or rocks in or near water, or they may enter burrows for protection. The upper body varies in color from reddish-brown to gray or olive, and the underside is white or gray.
The Northern Dusky Salamander has an overall length between 2.36”-5.51” (6-14 cm), body width of .24”-.47” (.6-1.2 cm), body height of .31”-.71” (.8-1.8 cm), and weight between .16-.46 oz (4.5-13 g). The typical lifespan of the Northern Dusky Salamander is between 10-15 years.
The northern dusky salamander, Desmognathus fuscus, is an amphibian in the family of lungless salamanders; without the use of their lungs, they absorb oxygen through the skin. They are widespread and can be found in eastern Canada through Florida and west to Louisiana. In the northern ranges the dusky salamander prefers rocky woodland streams, seepages, and springs, and in the southern ranges, they occupy floodplains, sloughs, and muddy places along upland streams. They hide under leaves or rocks in or near water, or they may enter burrows for protection. The upper body varies in color from reddish-brown to gray or olive, and the underside is white or gray.
The Northern Dusky Salamander has an overall length between 2.36”-5.51” (6-14 cm), body width of .24”-.47” (.6-1.2 cm), body height of .31”-.71” (.8-1.8 cm), and weight between .16-.46 oz (4.5-13 g). The typical lifespan of the Northern Dusky Salamander is between 10-15 years.