Identification
The
Northern Dusky Salamander is a stout salamander whose back legs tend to be slightly
larger than the front. They are highly variable in color, and the dorsal surface
is marked with a broad yellowish-gray, tan, or brown stripe that runs from head
to tail. The stripe is often spotted with a darker color, and tends to be bordered
on both sides with irregular dark brown or black stripes. Juveniles may have
5-8 yellowish or reddish spots on the back, but these spots tend to fade with
age. The ventral surface, or belly, is often whitish or gray and can be mottled
with darker gray. This species also has a flattened ridge on the upper edge
of the tail, which the similar Mountain Dusky Salamander does not have. Adults
reach lengths of 7-14.2 cm (2.8-5.6 in), and have 13-15 grooves along the sides
of the body (costal grooves).
Distribution
and Status
The Northern Dusky Salamander can be found from New Brunswick and southern Quebec south throughout New England and onto the western reaches of the Carolinas and west to Ohio, southern Indiana, and Tennessee. Within the Midwest, the Northern Dusky Salamander is found in Ohio and Indiana, as well as in Illinois, where it is listed as State Endangered.
Ecology
Found primarily in areas with limestone, the Northern Dusky Salamander lives at the edges of rocky streams, hillside springs, and spring seepages. They prefer wooded or partially wooded habitats, and spend much of their time under flat rocks, logs, or other debris, especially near water. When frightened they may jump into the water and seek refuge.
Threats
and Management Issues
Because they are so closely tied to the water, Northern Dusky Salamander populations may be affected by stream pollution, including siltation and pesticide runoff from agricultural practices. Tree cover is also important to this species, and as such, forestry operations such as logging, may prove detrimental to some populations.
Resources
General reference guides and websites.
Reference guides and websites specific to Amphibians.
Links to more information on the Northern Dusky Salamander outside the Herp Center
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499