Imitator Salamander

Scientific Name: Desmognathus imitator
Photo Credit: Todd Pierson
The imitator salamander ranges in color from brown to black, often with red or yellow cheek patches and sometimes a faint wavy stripe on its back. It lives at high elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains and nearby areas, typically near streams and seeps but also on the forest floor and damp rocks. Its name comes from its mimicry of the brightly colored, foul-tasting Jordan’s salamander. By resembling this unpalatable species, the imitator salamander may avoid being eaten by predators.
Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.