Description
The Mountain Dusky Salamander varies enormously in colour and pattern,
but Canadian populations are less varied. Generally it has a wide band
running down its back with dark V-shaped marks. A key diagnostic feature
of dusky salamanders is the pale line that runs from the eye diagonally
to the jaw. It has a rounded tail. The Mountain Dusky Salamander can grow
to 11 cm in total length, counting its long tail.
Confusing Species
The most similar looking species is the Northern
Two-lined Salamander, which has a yellowish band running down its back,
bordered by two dark lines. However, in some individuals the line is broken
or faint. It lacks the diagonal eye line. There is also the closely related
Dusky Salamander. It can be tan to dark brown
in colour and be either plain or mottled. It also has the line from eye
to jaw, but the shape of tail is triangular rather than round.
Distribution
First discovered in Canada in the late 1980's, the Mountain Dusky Salamander
is only found in extreme southern Quebec. It is possible that other populations
remain undiscovered in the area. The Mountain Dusky Salamander has a limited
range outside of Canada, being largely limited to the area of the Appalachians.
Habitat
The preferred habitat for the Mountain Dusky Salamander is spring-fed
rocky creeks in forested areas. They are rarely found far from water.
Reproduction
Breeding generally occurs in the spring. Females lay up to 25 eggs in
grape-like clusters attached to moss or rotting logs near water. The female
generally remains with the eggs until they hatch. The larvae are less than
1.5 cm long when they hatch. They transform sometime the following summer
and become mature in three to four years.
Natural history
Mountain Dusky Salamanders are frequently found under rocks next to
creeks. They eat a variety of insects and other invertebrates. During the
winter, they can remain active in the water.
Conservation Concerns
Given the limited distribution in Canada, the Mountain Dusky Salamander
is especially vulnerable to any changes to its habitat.
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