Desmognathus auriculatus
| Southern dusky salamander | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Caudata |
| Family: | Plethodontidae |
| Genus: | Desmognathus |
| Species: | D. auriculatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Desmognathus auriculatus (Holbrook, 1838) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Salamandra auriculata | |
The southern dusky salamander (Desmognathus auriculatus) is a species of salamander native to the coastal regions of the southeastern United States, from Virginia to Texas. Older sources often refer to it as the eared triton.
Description
The southern dusky salamander grows from 3 to 6 inches in length. It is typically dark brown to black in color, with a long tail, and rear legs which are noticeably larger than its front legs. Occasionally red of white spotting is between the limbs.
Behavior
The southern dusky salamander prefers tannic, swampy areas near ponds or on the flood plain of streams and rivers. It is largely nocturnal. Breeding takes place in the fall months, and females lay eggs in moist, sheltered areas of ground debris.