The Mountain Dusky Salamander

The Mountain Dusky Salamander (also called the Allegheny Mountain Dusky) is a smaller Dusky Salamander attaining lengths around 4 inches. The tail, which is half the total length, is round in cross-sections and the pale eye line is distinct. They are extremely variable in their color and pattern. In the northern part of their range they can be gray, brown, olive or orange or yellow and have a wide, straight-edged lighter colored band with dark borders along the back and tail. There is often a row of chevron-like markings down the center of the back as well. In the southern part of their range Mountain Duskies are more variable. Some resemble the northern forms, but in the majority the light dorsal band has wavy or irregular edges similar to those seen in these photos. There may even be dark bars crossing the band. The tail of this species is usually again as long as the main body. The tail of the individual in the photo below has been predated upon.

The Mountain Dusky Salamanders are found over a large area at elevations of 600 ft. and higher. At low elevations it is found near springs streams and seepage areas, at higher altitudes it seems to prefer cool, moist floors of conifer forests. Mountain Dusky Salamanders are also known to congregate in the winter in springs or seepage areas. They are also more terrestrial than other Dusky Salamanders. (also called the Allegheny Mountain Dusky) is a smaller Dusky Salamander attaining lengths around 4 inches. The tail, which is half the total length, is round in cross-sections and the pale eye line is distinct. They are extremely variable in their color and pattern. In the northern part of their range they can be gray, brown, olive or orange or yellow and have a wide, straight-edged lighter colored band with dark borders along the back and tail. There is often a row of chevron-like markings down the center of the back as well. In the southern part of their range Mountain Duskies are more variable. Some resemble the northern forms, but in the majority the light dorsal band has wavy or irregular edges similar to those seen in these photos. There may even be dark bars crossing the band. The tail of this species is usually again as long as the main body. The tail of the individual in the photo below has been predated upon.

The Mountain Dusky Salamanders are found over a large area at elevations of 600 ft. and higher. At low elevations it is found near springs streams and seepage areas, at higher altitudes it seems to prefer cool, moist floors of conifer forests. Mountain Dusky Salamanders are also known to congregate in the winter in springs or seepage areas. They are also more terrestrial than other Dusky Salamanders.

Pictured today is a Mountain Dusky Salamander taken by WPC's Botanist Steve Grund on a trip through Bear Run this past April.

Reference: U.S. Department of Interior.

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