Northern and Spotted Dusky Salamanders

Scientific Name(s): 

Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)

Spotted Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus conanti)

Photo Credit: Todd Pierson 

Northern and spotted dusky salamanders are closely related, with overlapping features and highly variable coloration, making them difficult to distinguish except by geographic range. Northern Dusky Salamanders are widespread in North Carolina’s Piedmont and parts of the Blue Ridge, while Spotted Dusky Salamanders are limited to the extreme southwestern mountains. Both species live in moist habitats like streams, springs, and seeps, where they hide under rocks or in burrows. They primarily feed on small invertebrates and occasionally smaller salamanders. Females lay and guard eggs in moist environments during summer, and hatchlings emerge with external gills before maturing into adults.

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