Seal Salamander
Desmognathus monticola
Found in the eastern quarter of the state. Occurs more commonly in the Blue Ridge and Cumberland mountains, but has also been documented in Appalachian Ridge and Valley and Cumberland Plateau.
Description: A fairly large species (3.0 to 6.0 inches in length) having light brown to grayish dorsum with black or dark brown reticulated or irregular splotches (also described as "wormy" markings). The belly is very pale, often white, creating a sharp contrast with back color. Tail is triangular in cross section towards the end and is moderately keeled.
Similar Species:
- Black-bellied Salamander has black belly and two rows of small white dots along side of body.
- Shovel-nosed Salamander has different shaped head and gray to dark bellies.
Habitat: Occurs in streams, along stream banks, and on wet rock faces. The species prefers well-oxygenated, cool streams with a moderate to steep gradient.
Diet: Large selection of invertebrates, primarily insects.
Breeding information: Between 13 and 39 eggs are deposited under leaves, moss, or rocks between June and August. Hatching occurs in late summer to early autumn.
Status in Tennessee: Seal Salamanders remain abundant throughout most of their range. Potential threats include decline in water quality from timber harvesting or mining.
Fun Facts:
- Name comes from its behavior of holding its head up while resting suggestive of a seal.
- Seal Salamanders may live to 11 years old.
Best places to see in Tennessee: Most common at lower to middle elevations in Blue Ridge and Cumberland mountains in fast moving streams.
For more information:
The Salamanders of Tennessee web site
http://www.state.tn.us/twra/tamp/salamanders.htm
Sources:
Conant, R. and Collins, J. 1998. Peterson Field Guides: Reptiles and Amphibians (Eastern/Central North America). Houghton Mifflin Company, New York. 616pp.
Dodd, Jr., C.K. 2004. The Amphibians of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville TN.
Jensen, J. B., Camp C. D., Gibbons, W., and Elliot, M. J. 2008. Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia, University of Georgia Press, Athens, GA. 575pp.
Johnson, T.R. 2006. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri. The Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, MO.
