![]() When breeding, this salamander deposits eggs in and around spring seepage areas, usually in moist or muddy areas. Like most salamanders, Desmognathus feed upon a variety of small invertebrates. Even when temperatures are down around freezing, this salamander can be turned up under cover along flowing springs. Northern Dusky Salamanders are common around permanent seeps and springs all months of the year and can be found in nearby creeks and further from water during rainy weather. ![]() On rainy spring nights, they can be observed actively foraging in woodlands near their springs and seeps. They can be found in both gravelly, rocky springs and mud seeps, although muddy seeps seem to be somewhat favored. Much of their habitat in Indiana consists of rocky gorges or rocky upland hills, but further west in the state, they can be found in more lowland seep habitat. While they can be found throughout small creeks, they are most heavily concentrated in seepages and springs at the edge of the water. ![]() This is a very aquatic salamander and is rarely found away from water. The muscular legs, robust body form, and large jaw muscles are also unique to this species in Indiana. ![]() This species can be distinguished from all other Plethodontids by the light line running from the eye to the back of the jaw that all Desmognathus species exhibit. Desmognathus fluctus series#Larvae have a series of 5-6 pairs of spots or diamonds on the dorsum. They have a more rounded head than Eurycea larvae and frequently have greatly reduced and non-vascularized gills. Desmognathus larvae are small (~10mm SVL at hatching) and aquatic. The eggs are usually in two clusters of around 12 each. This species can grow to around 3-5 in total length.įemales lay their eggs under debris (logs, leaf litter, rocks, etc.) in small clusters near springs and seeps. Ventral coloration is light gray to cream-colored. Younger individuals tend to have more noticeable patterns while adults are darker and many become melanistic with age. Dorsal coloration is extremely variable and individuals can be light orange-brown to dark brown with faint to profuse and irregular mottling. There is a distinct light line running from the eye to the posterior end of the jaw in all species in this genus that can quickly distinguish it from other species. Removal of forests around streams and seeps increases siltation, water temperature, and evaporation, and alters the prey base and foraging opportunities for the species.Adults of this species are a robust brown to black plethodontid with enlarged jaw muscles and muscular rear legs. Pollution, runoff, and stream channelization and scouring are all major threats to these habitats in Ohio. The aquatic larvae complete metamorphosis the following summer and begin breeding 2-3 years later.Ĭonservation: Populations of Northern Dusky Salamanders are most threatened by destruction, disturbance, or pollution of their small aquatic habitats, including streams and seeps. Females remain with the eggs until hatching in September. ![]() Life history: A compact cluster of 12-27 eggs is laid under a rock near water in late July. Habitat: Small streams, seeps, and springs, where it lives under rocks, logs, or leaf litter within or adjacent to shallow water. Status in Ohio: Locally abundant and widespread. As with other members of this genus, a light line extends from the eye to the angle of the jaws.ĭistribution in Ohio: Mainly south and east of a line from Cincinnati to Cleveland. The underside is lightly mottled with a mixture of gray or brown. Five to eight yellow dorsal spots bordered by a dark band are present on juveniles, and some remnants of these markings may or may not be present in adults. Description: One of the most variable patterned salamanders in Ohio, adult Northern Dusky Salamanders are usually yellowish brown to dark brown. ![]()
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