Dusky Salamander

Desmognathus conanti is a moderately stout salamander with a moderately keeled tail, 6.4 - 12.7 cm TL (2.5 - 5 in). It usually has 6-8 pairs of golden spots on dorsum, which in adults may fuse to form a light stripe with a dark, irregular border. The belly is light with dark flecks. Coloration varies widely throughout range. Until recently, the spotted dusky salamander was considered a subspecies of the Northern Dusky Salamander (D. fuscus). These two species are very similar in appearance and are best differentiated by range.