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
Holbrook, 1838
Cylindrosoma auriculatum
Duméril, Bibron, and Duméril, 1854
Desmognathus fuscus auriculatus
Boulenger, 1882

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.

References