Southern Dusky Salamander

Scientific Name: Desmognathus auriculatus
Photo Credit: Mike Martin

The southern dusky salamander is usually dark brown to black with a row of side spots and distinct white speckling on its underside. It lives in swamps and pools in flood plains and bottomland forests throughout the state's coastal plain, often found in leaf litter or under decaying logs. This species feeds on a variety of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Eggs are laid near water and guarded by the female until hatching; larvae are fully aquatic with external gills before metamorphosis. Although still present in many areas, this species has seen unexplained declines across much of its range over the past 30 years.

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