• Home\\
  • Herps\\
    • Snakes\\
    • Turtles\\
    • Lizards\\
    • Frogs & Toads\\
    • Salamanders\\
  • About\\
  • Links\\
  • PA Herp Survey\\
  • Contact\\
  • Report an Observation\\

Northern Dusky Salamander

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

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

Descripton:
Small to medium-sized species; semi-aquatic species. The background color is highly variable and can range from yellowish to grayish brown or dark brown with a broad light brown dorsal stripe that contains variable dark markings; it is also bordered by dark gray 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 underside is light cream with light to heavy mottling. The tail is laterally compressed with a distinct dorsal keel and somewhat triangular in the cross-section. 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. Desmognathus genus are easily identified by the light line that extends from the eye to the angle of the jaw.

Adult Coloration:
  • 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.
Adult 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 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.
Larvae 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.
Range:

May be Confused With:
  • Seal Salamander
  • Mountain Dusky Salamander
Adult Gallery:
Northern Dusky Salamander - Blue Spots- By: Jeff Hankey
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jeff Hankey
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Tom Diez
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Tom Diez
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jeff Hankey
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jeff Hankey

Juvenile Gallery:
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Northern Dusky Salamander - By: Jason Poston

Larvae Gallery:

no images were found

Egg Gallery:
Northern Dusky By: Matthew Jennette
Northern Dusky By: Matthew Jennette
Northern Dusky By: Doug Warner

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.
Credits:
  • Jason Poston
  • Billy Brown
  • Jeff Hankey
  • Tom Diez
  • Doug Warner
  • Matthew Jennette

Heads up!

Please contribute your observation of this and other herps to the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey. Your help is needed.

Submit Your Finding

  • Herps of PA
    • Snakes
      • Eastern Wormsnake
      • Kirtland’s Snake
      • Northern Racer
      • Northern Ring-necked Snake
      • Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
      • Eastern Milksnake
      • Northern Watersnake
      • Northern Rough Greensnake
      • Smooth Greensnake
      • Eastern Ratsnake
      • Queensnake
      • Northern Brownsnake
      • Northern Red-bellied Snake
      • Shorthead Gartersnake
      • Ribbon Snakes
      • Eastern Gartersnake
      • Eastern Smooth Earthsnake
      • Mountain Earthsnake
      • Northern Copperhead
      • Timber Rattlesnake
      • Eastern Massasauga
    • Turtles
      • Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle
      • Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle
      • Snapping Turtle
      • Midland Painted Turtle
      • Eastern Painted Turtle
      • Spotted Turtle
      • Wood Turtle
      • Bog Turtle
      • Blanding’s Turtle
      • Northern Map Turtle
      • Eastern Mud Turtle
      • Northern Redbelly Cooter
      • Eastern Box Turtle
      • Eastern Musk Turtle
    • Lizards
      • Northern Coal Skink
      • Common Five-lined Skink
      • Broadhead Skink
      • Eastern Fence Lizard
    • Frogs & Toads
      • Eastern American Toad
      • Fowler’s Toad
      • Eastern Cricket Frog
      • Cope’s Gray Treefrog
      • Eastern Gray Treefrog
      • Bullfrog
      • Green Frog
      • Pickerel Frog
      • Northern Leopard Frog
      • Wood Frog
      • Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog
      • Mountain Chorus Frog
      • Upland Chorus Frog
      • New Jersey Chorus Frog
      • Western Chorus Frog
      • Northern Spring Peeper
      • Eastern Spadefoot
    • Salamanders
      • Jefferson Salamander
      • Spotted Salamander
      • Marbled Salamander
      • Eastern Tiger Salamander
      • Green Salamander
      • Eastern Hellbender
      • Northern Dusky Salamander
      • Seal Salamander
      • Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander
      • Northern Two-lined Salamander
      • Longtail Salamander
      • Northern Spring Salamander
      • Four-toed Salamander
      • Common Mudpuppy
      • Red-spotted Newt
      • Eastern Red-backed Salamander
      • Northern Slimy Salamander
      • Valley & Ridge Salamander
      • Northern Ravine Salamander
      • Wehrle’s Salamander
      • Eastern Mud Salamander
      • Northern Red Salamander
  • Recommended Books

    Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast

    The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas

    Turtles of the United States and Canada

    Snakes of the United States and Canada

    Frogs of the United States and Canada

    Salamanders of the United States and Canada

  • Recent Posts
    • Mudpuppy Distribution in Pennsylvania
    • Help Herps Cross the Road
    • PAHERPS Launches with new look.
    • PARS Launches
  • Bookmarks
    • CNAH
    • Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
    • Lancaster Herpetological Society
    • PA Amphiban and Reptile Survey
    • SSAR
  • About
    Pennsylvania Herp Identification is an educational tool for the public on the reptiles and amphibians found though out Pennsylvania. The project also aims to create knowledge to Pennsylvania residents not only through the internet, but also through interaction with the public, with the help of volunteers in the field to communicate with individuals on a personal level. The site is also here to assist with other herp related questions and personal help with Identification with the simple use of our contact form. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or let us know how the site has helped you.
  • Latest News
    • Mudpuppy Distribution in Pennsylvania Jan 17, 2019 · Uncategorized
    • Help Herps Cross the Road Jul 14, 2015 · Uncategorized
    • PAHERPS Launches with new look. Jun 14, 2013 · Uncategorized
    • PARS Launches Jun 10, 2013 · Uncategorized
  • Recommended Books

    Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast

    The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas

    Turtles of the United States and Canada

    Snakes of the United States and Canada

    Frogs of the United States and Canada

    Salamanders of the United States and Canada

© 2008-2016 | PAHERPS, All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy
Photos may not be used except with express written permission from photographers.