Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus ochrophaeus]

Please remember while out herping in Pennsylvania you need to have a current fishing license and please please remember to follow decontamination procedures as not to spread germs,diseases and unwanted fungus to these important areas!If you not willing do follow these procedures,you should not be out!I personally always wear protective gloves,even if I don't handle salamanders and I do try to never touch them.I also spray myself [boots,waders,gloves,net,photographic tank...] with a chlorhexidine solution.
[Chlorhexidine, is a disinfectant and antiseptic that is used for skin disinfection]

I thought this picture I took in Tioga County,Pa.on 12-12-20 was a once in a lifetime encounter.A gravid female Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander.The yellow orange areas on both sides of her abdomen are developing eggs she is carrying [Desmognathus ochrophaeus]

Close up picture of the underside of a female Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus ochrophaeus],showing tiny details including the heart.Tioga County,Pa.12-12-20

A beautiful gravid female Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus ochrophaeus].Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20

The underside of a female Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander [same as pictured below].Notice she is gravid [carrying eggs],the yellow areas on either side of her abdomen.Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20 [Desmognathus ochrophaeus]

A beautiful gravid female Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus ochrophaeus].Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20

A beautiful gravid [carrying eggs] female Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus ochrophaeus].Found on a cold December day in Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20.Found in the same area as the Spring Salamander [in a spring,wet area].One of the heaviest salamanders I have ever encountered,I do believe it is ready for whatever winter throws at her!

My very first Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus ochrophaeus].Tioga County,Pa.9-16-20.It didn't hang around too long for pictures!Also shown the habitat where found [A damp stream bed in a hemlock forest].or helping me with the ID!

Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus ochrophaeus].Tioga County,Pa.9-16-20