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Northern Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus fuscus
Description
A sturdy brook salamander with powerful hind legs and a keeled, knife-edged tail, found along shaded southern-Indiana streams. Quick to leap and wriggle from the hand.
Stats
Size
2 ½ – 4 inches
Status
Common
Similar Species
Redback salamander (smaller and more slender)
Diet
Earthworms, snails, and other invertebrates.
Habitat
Rocky upland hills of seepages, springs, and rocky creeks. Can be found in small rocky creeks under stones. May also be found near the mouths of caves but not in them.
Reproduction
Mating occurs summer and 13- 24 eggs hatch in fall. Male performs courtship displays for female and drops a spermatophore. The female they picks up the sperm pouch and eggs are fertilized. Female will then deposit eggs, curl around and guard them until they hatch.
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