Spotted Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus conanti
Silhouette: Beth Reinke · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAmphibia (Amphibians)
- OrderCaudata (Salamanders)
- FamilyPlethodontidae (Lungless Salamanders)
- GenusDesmognathus (Dusky Salamanders)
- SpeciesDesmognathus conanti (Spotted Dusky Salamander)
About the Spotted Dusky Salamander
The spotted dusky salamander (Desmognathus conanti) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to the United States. Desmognathus conanti was described in 1958 by Douglas A. Rossman, but was later reclassified as a subspecies of the northern dusky salamander (D. fuscus). However, numerous genetic and morphological studies since then have affirmed it as being a distinct species and it was elevated to full specific status in 1996. In addition, genetic studies indicate that D. conanti is paraphyletic with respect to the Santeetlah dusky salamander (D. santeelah), which lies nested within it; thus, D. conanti itself likely represents a species complex of multiple undescribed cryptic species.
Desmognathus conanti has a wide range in the southeastern and south-central United States, ranging from southern Illinois south to the panhandle of Florida, and west to Louisiana and southern Arkansas. They are semiaquatic, typically
inhabit cool, forested seeps or streams/streamsides. Desmognathus conanti is a medium sized salamander, between 35-40 mm in body length at sexual maturity and is moderately stout with... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Spotted Dusky Salamander in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Seal Salamander
Desmognathus monticola
Imitator Salamander
Desmognathus imitator
Pygmy Salamander
Desmognathus wrighti
Cherokee Mountain Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus adatsihi
Santeetlah Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus santeetlah
Central Shovel-nosed Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus intermedius
Ocoee Salamander
Desmognathus ocoee
Carolina Mountain Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus carolinensis
Great Balsams Mountain Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus balsameus
Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamander
Eurycea wilderae
Red-cheeked Salamander
Plethodon jordani
Spring Salamander
Gyrinophilus porphyriticus
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 🇺🇸 United States |
More parks will be added in future updates.
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Spotted Dusky Salamander in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Spotted Dusky Salamander sighting in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, based on 74 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Spotted Dusky Salamander in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
May has the highest sighting rate for Spotted Dusky Salamander in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in our monthly data.