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Mountain Dusky Salamander

Desmognathus ochrophaeus

New York's two species of Dusky salamanders appear similar. Both have the large hind legs and light stripe extending from the eye to jaw, two characteristics that help distinguish them from Red-backed and Two-lined salamanders. Mountain Dusky salamanders have a round tail, as opposed to the keeled tail of the Northern Dusky salamanders. The larvae of both "dusky" species are almost impossible to tell apart.

 

Mountain Dusky salamanders are found under cover in or near streams, generally west of the Hudson River. They tend to stray further from water than the Northern Dusky. These salamanders eat a wide variety of invertebrates, and spend the early part of their lives as aquatic larvae.

County
Specimen

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Preview (click to enlarge)
Onondaga

Specimen #200

Date: July 28, 2011
Location: Manlius, NY
Notes: Under log.
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