Biology:Desmognathus auriculatus

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Short description: Species of amphibian

Desmognathus auriculatus
D auriculatus USGS.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Urodela
Family: Plethodontidae
Subfamily: Plethodontinae
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
Southern Dusky Salamander larva

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

Southern Dusky Salamander, Florida

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

Wikidata ☰ Q2047774 entry