Black-Bellied Salamander

Scientific Name: Desmognathus quadromaculatus
Photo Credit: Todd Pierson

The black-bellied salamander is a large amphibian commonly found in stream habitats. They typically range in color from brown to black, frequently featuring a lighter spotted pattern on their backs. In North Carolina, the black-bellied salamander is commonly found in the cool and steep streams of the mountains. While they are predominantly aquatic, black-bellied salamanders can also be spotted along the edges of streams, in seepages, within bank burrows, and on damp rock surfaces. Although their main diet consists of small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, they also eat crayfish and smaller salamanders.

Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.