Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus]

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[Nitrile] ,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]

This salamander was found in the bottom of a coal stripping [Instead of a mine shaft or tunnel, coal was stripped from the surface using large mechanized shovels. The end result was large or small opennings in the earth depending on the vein of coal. In some cases the area stripped could be very deep and extend great distances]. Found in the fall, I believe it to be a juvenile Northern Dusky [Desmognathus fuscus]. If it is its coloration is unlike any thing I have come across before in a Northern Dusky, also I normally find duskies in or around water. Schuylkill County, Pa

Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus]. Perry County, Pa. 10-21-23

From top Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus], Northern Two Lined Salamander [Eurysea bislineata], Northern Spring Salamander [Gyrinophilus porphyriticus]. Perry County, Pa. 10-21-23

Two beautiful juvenile Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus sp]. Could be a cross between fuscus and ochrophaeus, Alleghney Mountain and Northern Dusky. These two beautiful color variations were found in this remote valley [seen below] in North Central, Pa. 4-24-22.

Perfect Spring Salamander habitat [Gyrinophilus porphyriticus] and Northern and Allegheny Dusky Salamander [ Degmognathus fuscus & ochrophaeus] and their complex. A spring on the side of a mountain in Tioga County, Pa.-Turn up the sound!

Here are pictures of what I believe to be my first [and only] salamander track pictures, taken a couple of falls ago in Coos County, N.H.. I believe them to be from a Northern Dusky [Desmognathus fuscus] seen in the area [picture 4].

Two different female Northern Dusky Salamanders [Desmognathus fuscus], each full of eggs. This in an area where I normally find Allegheny Mountain Dusky [Desmognathus ochrophaeus]]. In fact at this spot at the same time there were four different juvenile Allegheny Dusky [please see juvenile picture]. I can't help but feel that there must be breeding between the two species that results in characteristics of both [a complex]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-17-21. It has now been shown that Northern Dusky salamander [Desmognathus fuscus] and Allegheny Mountain Dusky [Desmognathus ochrophaeus] in fact do interbreed, 1-4-22

Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].Tioga County,Pa.12-14-20

Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].Tioga County,Pa.9-17-20

Last week in Tioga County,in a snow and ice covered hollow that got very little sun,in a small open spring under a rock I was very surprised to find this salamander larva [picture above and below].At just one inch It seemed very healthy and active and well fed.Air temperature was 28 degrees.Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].My Friend Sean Hartzell said it could very well be a Allegheny Mountain Dusky [Desmognathus ochrophaeus] as they are present in Tioga County.If so that would be a first for me.Tioga County,Pa.12-12-19.Notice those tiny gills.

One large Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].Perry County,Pa.2-5-19

Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].Perry County,Pa.2-5-19

My first salamander of the year,Northern Dusky [Desmognathus fuscus.Dauphin County,Pa.1-5-19

The Northern Dusky salamanders found recently in New Hampshire [my first in N.H.],appear different in both and size [much larger] and shape and also coloration compared to the ones in I am familiar with here in Pa.Coos County,N.H.9-8-18.Pictured with it's larvae.[Desmognathus fuscus]

Northern Dusky salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].Dauphin County,Pa.8-18-18

Northern Dusky Salamander larvae [Desmognathus fuscus].Dauphin County,Pa.6-5-18.Please notice those tiny gills

Northern Dusky Salamander larvae [Desmognathus fuscus].Dauphin County,Pa.6-5-18

Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus] Larvae,the small larvae below is a newly hatched Four-toed Salamander [Hemidactylium scutatum].Dauphin County,Pa.6-5-18

Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus] Larvae showing its heart beating,the small larvae below is a newly hatched Four-toed Salamander [Hemidactylium scutatum].Dauphin County,Pa.6-5-18

Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].Perry County,Pa.4-10-18,If you look close you can see it's heart beating

Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus] adult.Perry County,Pa.4-10-18

Tiny Northern Dusky salamander larva [Desmognathus fuscus]Perry County,Pa.3-30-18.You can see the tiny gills.

Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].Perry County,Pa.3-19-18

Northern Dusky Salamander.Perry County,Pa.3-11-18

Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].Dauphin County,10-17-17 [found by Kirk Tuttle]

Juvenile Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].Schuylkill County,10-26-16

Juvenile Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].Dauphin County,10-14-16

Northern Dusky Salamander [Desmognathus fuscus].Schuylkill county,7-10-12