Desmognathus fuscus

Desmognathus fuscus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Urodela
Family: Plethodontidae
Subfamily: Plethodontinae
Genus: Desmognathus
Species:
D. fuscus
Binomial name
Desmognathus fuscus
(Rafinesque, 1820)
Range of D. fuscus
Synonyms[2]
  • Salamandra fusca
    Green, 1818
    (nomen dubium)
  • Salamandra nigra
    Green, 1818
    (nomen dubium)
  • Salamandra sinciput-albida
    Green, 1818
    (nomen dubium)
  • Triturus fuscus
    Rafinesque, 1820
  • Salamandra picta
    Harlan, 1825
  • Salamandra intermixta
    Green, 1825
  • Salamandra frontalis
    Gray, 1831
  • Molge brunnea
    A.M.C. Duméril, Bibron & A.H.A. Duméril, 1854
  • Molge arenatus
    A.M.C. Duméril, Bibron & A.H.A. Duméril, 1854
  • Salamandra phoca
    Matthes, 1855

Desmognathus fuscus is a species of amphibian in the family Plethodontidae (lungless salamanders).[2][3] The species is commonly called the dusky salamander or northern dusky salamander to distinguish it from populations in the southern United States which form several distinct species, the southern dusky salamanders (D. auriculatus, D. valentinei).[3] The northern dusky salamander is the most widespread representative of its genus in Canada.[3] It can be found in eastern North America from extreme eastern Canada in New Brunswick south to South Carolina.[3][1][4] The size of the species' total population is unknown, but is assumed to easily exceed 100,000.[3][1] The species' habitat differs somewhat geographically; dusky salamanders in the northern part of the range prefer rocky woodland streams, seepages, and springs, while those in the south favor floodplains, sloughs, and muddy places along upland streams.[3][1][4][5] They are most common where water is running or trickling.[3][1] They hide under various objects, such as leaves or rocks, either in or near water. Alternatively, they may enter burrows for protection.[3][4] The dusky salamander lays its eggs close to water under moss or rocks, in logs, or in stream-bank cavities. The larval stage which follows is normally aquatic.[3][4]

  1. ^ a b c d e Geoffrey Hammerson (2004). "Desmognathus fuscus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T59249A11906400. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T59249A11906400.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Frost was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Cite error: The named reference COSEWIC was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference Ontario Nature was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Hom 1988 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).