3,310 Records

Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) is a rather stocky, variable brownish or blackish salamander species with a vertically-compressed, keeled tail. This is one way to distinguish it from the similar Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander (D. ochrophaeus), which has a rounded tail. Northern Duskies are found throughout Maryland except for the southern Eastern Shore counties (Wicomico County has a couple records). These salamanders usually occur under rocks or logs at stream or creek margins, and in areas with seeps or springs, usually in situations that retain moisture (Conant & Collins, 1998; Maryland DNR site). D. fuscus are known to breed in spring or autumn.

Quite variable in coloration, ranging from grayish-green or brownish to blackish. Many older individuals may be mostly patternless. This species has a keeled tail, triangular in cross-section, while the Allegheny Mountain Dusky has a round tail, which can be a useful difference to quickly separate them in the field. Viewed laterally, adult male Allegheny Mountain Dusky shows a wavy, sinuous mouth, in contrast to the less curved mouth of Northern Dusky.