*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: No subspecies recognized.
Adult Description: Medium-sized salamander (maximum 5”) with highly variable coloration, typically a shade of brown or gray, but sometimes appearing nearly black. Younger individuals typically more vibrantly colored, with six to eight pairs of orange or tan blotches with dark outer edges, extending onto laterally compressed tail as more of a dark, wavy-margined stripe. Pattern can be hard to discern in older, darker individuals. Small white spots, often referred to as portholes, may occur in two rows along sides of body, one spot between each costal groove, with lower row more prominent along lower body and tail. Hindlimbs noticeably larger than forelimbs. Like all Desmognathus salamanders, a pale stripe extends from back of eye to corner of mouth but may be obscure in older individuals. Usually 14 costal grooves but 13 is possible. Two to four costal folds present between adpressed limbs. Belly is light to dark gray with numerous pale flecks, often extending onto lower sides.
Similar Species:
Species Range: East Texas east to central and northern Louisiana.
Louisiana Range: Central and northern Louisiana but absent from Mississippi River floodplain.
Adult Habitat: In, along, and near springs, seeps, and spring-fed headwater streams in heavily wooded upland forests.
Natural History: Catahoula Dusky Salamanders are surface-active at night, spending the day concealed under surface cover objects, but retreating further underground in dry and cold extremes. They prey upon a wide variety of invertebrates. Snakes are likely the most important predators. Females deposit up to 41 eggs in small depressions that they may actively construct under logs or leaf litter or in other voids in moist areas near water. Egg laying seemingly occurs in early summer, and females guard their nests until hatching occurs when water tables rise with fall rains. Larvae may not metamorphose until the following summer months. Age at maturity is unknown, but based on a closely related species from Tennessee, maturity may occur in 2 years, at least in males. Females may require 3 years. Maximum wild longevity is unknown but closely related species are known to live 10 years or more.
Best Time and Place to Observe: Catahoula Dusky Salamanders may be found year-round under woody debris or rocks in or near the streams, springs, and seepages they occur, provided there is adequate moisture.
Global Conservation Status: Catahoula Dusky Salamanders were described as a distinct species in 2023 and they do not have an IUCN Red List assessment. The Spotted Dusky Salamander that the species was split from, however, is listed as Least Concern. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G3 (Vulnerable).
Federal Conservation Status: None.
Louisiana Conservation Status: Catahoula Dusky Salamanders do not have any special status in Louisiana.
Author's Remarks: I have observed this species at several areas in Kisatchie National Forest as well as Sicily Island.
