Scientific Name: Desmognathus fuscus fuscus
Size: 2.5-5 inches (6.5-13 cm) in length
PA Status: Abundant

Habitat Type:
Found near or in streams, seepage areas, and springs. may be found under logs, rocks and other cover.

Colorations:

• The dorsal background color is highly variable and can range from yellowish to greyish brown or dark brown with a broad light brown dorsal stripe that contains variable dark markings; it is also bordered by dark grey or brown light to heavy mottling. The dorsal stripe extends to the anterior portion of the tail.
• The sides of the body are mottled.
• The ventral is light cream with light to heavy mottling.
• Older individuals may have and obscure dorsal strips and pattern and become uniform greyish brown in color.
• Adults may also have no dorsal pattern and be uniform yellow to greyish brown.
• Duskys are easily identified by the light line that extends from the eye to the angel of the jaw.

Characteristics:

• Small to medium-sized species; semi-aquatic
• Well-proportioned species
• The limbs are well-developed
• The tail is laterally compressed with a distinct dorsal keel and somewhat triangular in the cross-section.
• The toe tips lack cornifications.
• 14 costal grooves.

Juvenile coloration and characteristics:

• The dorsal is vividly patterned with 5 to 8 pairs of alternating yellow spots that are connected by a wavy dark band that continues on to the dorsal of the tail.
• The sides typically have a dark dorsolateral stripe that is either wavy or straight or the dorsum may be uniformed in color or blotched with brown to reddish brown.

Hatchlings and Larvae coloration and characteristics:

• The body is rounded
• The limbs are well-developed.
  the tail is laterally compressed.
• A caudal fin is present.
• The head is large and distinct from the body.

Confused with:

• Seal Salamander
• Mountain Dusky Salamander

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults






Juvenile


Larvae

Range Map:

References:

• Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 75-78pp.
• Petranka, James W. ,1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 173-181pp.

Photo Credits:

• Jason Poston
• Billy Brown
• Jeff Hankey
• Tom Diez