Dichotomous Key to the Stream and Common Terrestrial and Aquatic Salamanders of Maryland
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Kentucky Salamanders of the Genus Desmognathus: Their Identification, Distribution, and Morphometric Variation
KENTUCKY SALAMANDERS OF THE GENUS DESMOGNATHUS: THEIR IDENTIFICATION, DISTRIBUTION, AND MORPHOMETRIC VARIATION A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the College of Science and Technology Morehead State University In Partial Fulfilhnent of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science in Biology by Leslie Scott Meade July 24, 2000 1CAMDElJ CARROLL LIBRARY MOREHEAD, KY 40351 f'\Sl.l 11-feSfS 5q7,g'5' M 'ff I k Accepted by the Faculty of the College of Science and Technology, Morehead State University, in partial fulfillment ofthe requirements for the Master of Science Degree. ~ C ~ Director of Thesis Master's Committee: 7, -.2't-200c) Date 11 Kentucky Salamanders of the Genus Desmognathus: Their Identification, Distribution, and Morphometric Variation The objectives of this study were to ( 1) summarize the taxonomic and natural history data for Desmognathus in Kentucky, (2) compare Kentucky species and sub species of Desmognathus with regard to sexual dimorphism, (3) analyze interspecific variation in morphology of Kentucky Desmognathus, and (4) compile current range maps for Desmognathus in Kentucky. Species and subspecies examined included D. ochrophaeus Cope (Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander), D. fuscus fuscus (Green) (Northern Dusky Salamander), D. fuscus conanti Rossman (Spotted Dusky Salamander), D. montico/a Dunn (Seal Salamander), and D. welteri Barbour (Black Mountain Dusky Salamander). Salamanders were collected in the field or borrowed from museum collections. Taxonomic and natural history data for Kentucky Desmo gnathus were compiled from literature, preserved specimens, and direct observations. Morphometric characters examined included total length, snout-vent length, tail length, head length, head width, snout length, vent length, tail length/total length, snout-vent length/total length, and snout length/head length. -
Western Tiger Salamander,Ambystoma Mavortium
COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Western Tiger Salamander Ambystoma mavortium Southern Mountain population Prairie / Boreal population in Canada Southern Mountain population – ENDANGERED Prairie / Boreal population – SPECIAL CONCERN 2012 COSEWIC status reports are working documents used in assigning the status of wildlife species suspected of being at risk. This report may be cited as follows: COSEWIC. 2012. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Western Tiger Salamander Ambystoma mavortium in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xv + 63 pp. (www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm). Previous report(s): COSEWIC. 2001. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vi + 33 pp. (www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm). Schock, D.M. 2001. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum in Canada, in COSEWIC assessment and status report on the tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 1-33 pp. Production note: COSEWIC would like to acknowledge Arthur Whiting for writing the status report on the Western Tiger Salamander, Ambystoma mavortium, in Canada, prepared under contract with Environment Canada. This report was overseen and edited by Kristiina Ovaska, Co-chair of the COSEWIC Amphibians and Reptiles Specialist Subcommittee. For additional copies contact: COSEWIC Secretariat c/o Canadian Wildlife Service Environment Canada Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3 Tel.: 819-953-3215 Fax: 819-994-3684 E-mail: COSEWIC/[email protected] http://www.cosewic.gc.ca Également disponible en français sous le titre Ếvaluation et Rapport de situation du COSEPAC sur la Salamandre tigrée de l’Ouest (Ambystoma mavortium) au Canada. -
2008 Amphibian Distribution Surveys in Wadeable Streams and Ponds in Western and Southeast Oregon
INFORMATION REPORTS NUMBER 2010-05 FISH DIVISION Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 2008 Amphibian Distribution Surveys in Wadeable Streams and Ponds in Western and Southeast Oregon Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and services on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against as described above in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire further information, please contact ADA Coordinator, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 3406 Cherry Drive NE, Salem, OR, 503-947-6000. This material will be furnished in alternate format for people with disabilities if needed. Please call 541-757-4263 to request 2008 Amphibian Distribution Surveys in Wadeable Streams and Ponds in Western and Southeast Oregon Sharon E. Tippery Brian L. Bangs Kim K. Jones Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Corvallis, OR November, 2010 This project was financed with funds administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service State Wildlife Grants under contract T-17-1 and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Citation: Tippery, S. E., B. L Bangs and K. K. Jones. 2010. 2008 Amphibian Distribution Surveys in Wadeable Streams and Ponds in Western and Southeast Oregon. Information Report 2010-05, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Corvallis. CONTENTS FIGURES....................................................................................................................................... -
Comparative Osteology and Evolution of the Lungless Salamanders, Family Plethodontidae David B
COMPARATIVE OSTEOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF THE LUNGLESS SALAMANDERS, FAMILY PLETHODONTIDAE DAVID B. WAKE1 ABSTRACT: Lungless salamanders of the family Plethodontidae comprise the largest and most diverse group of tailed amphibians. An evolutionary morphological approach has been employed to elucidate evolutionary rela tionships, patterns and trends within the family. Comparative osteology has been emphasized and skeletons of all twenty-three genera and three-fourths of the one hundred eighty-three species have been studied. A detailed osteological analysis includes consideration of the evolution of each element as well as the functional unit of which it is a part. Functional and developmental aspects are stressed. A new classification is suggested, based on osteological and other char acters. The subfamily Desmognathinae includes the genera Desmognathus, Leurognathus, and Phaeognathus. Members of the subfamily Plethodontinae are placed in three tribes. The tribe Hemidactyliini includes the genera Gyri nophilus, Pseudotriton, Stereochilus, Eurycea, Typhlomolge, and Hemidac tylium. The genera Plethodon, Aneides, and Ensatina comprise the tribe Pleth odontini. The highly diversified tribe Bolitoglossini includes three super genera. The supergenera Hydromantes and Batrachoseps include the nominal genera only. The supergenus Bolitoglossa includes Bolitoglossa, Oedipina, Pseudoeurycea, Chiropterotriton, Parvimolge, Lineatriton, and Thorius. Manculus is considered to be congeneric with Eurycea, and Magnadig ita is congeneric with Bolitoglossa. Two species are assigned to Typhlomolge, which is recognized as a genus distinct from Eurycea. No. new information is available concerning Haptoglossa. Recognition of a family Desmognathidae is rejected. All genera are defined and suprageneric groupings are defined and char acterized. Range maps are presented for all genera. Relationships of all genera are discussed. -
Dusky Salamander Desmognathus Fuscus
WILDLIFE IN CONNECTICUT WILDLIFE FACT SHEET PAUL J. FUSCO PAUL Dusky Salamander Desmognathus fuscus Background and Range The northern dusky salamander is in the lungless salamander family (Plethodontidae). This species was historically distributed widely in streams, springs, and seepage areas throughout Connecticut. However, it has become scarce in more developed areas of the state, especially in Fairfield, New Haven, and Hartford Counties. The northern dusky salamander ranges from south Quebec and southern New Brunswick, down the Appalachians to its southernmost point in mid-South Carolina. Its western extent reaches east Indiana and the eastern half of Kentucky. In Connecticut, it is found statewide but only sparsely in New London and Fairfield counties. Description This stout, medium-sized salamander exhibits variable brown coloration with mottling, and a translucent belly that has “salt and pepper” patterning. The tail is flattened laterally, with a knife-like top edge. A small white line runs from the jaw to the eye, and a groove goes from each nostril to the jaw edge. Hind legs are noticeably larger than forelimbs. Younger individuals have a greater range in color from olive to chestnut to dark tan. Larvae possess a few pairs of yellowish spots bordered with a dark, wavy lateral line that goes along the back. Larvae can be confused with the larger two-lined salamander; however, the two-lined has less pronounced rear limbs. Habitat and Diet The northern dusky is usually found in or near freshwater, such as streams, springs, and/or areas with seepage. CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ● WILDLIFE DIVISION These sites tend to be associated with closed canopy deciduous or coniferous forests. -
Tail Bifurcation in a Northern Dusky Salamander, Desmognathus Fuscus (Caudata: Plethodontidae)
Herpetology Notes, volume 10: 181-182 (2017) (published online on 25 April 2017) Tail bifurcation in a Northern Dusky Salamander, Desmognathus fuscus (Caudata: Plethodontidae) Sean M. Hartzell1,* Tail bifurcation, a condition in which a portion of species Bolitoglossa heiroreias, Plethodon cinereus the tail duplicates after mechanical damage, typically and P. glutinosus (Henle et al., 2012; Medina-Florez resulting from attempted predation, is occasionally and Townsend, 2014). Henle et al. (2012) report no observed in lizards (e.g., Cordes and Walker, 2013; references concerning tail bifurcation in the genus Tamar et al., 2013; Passos et al., 2014; Pheasey et Desmognathus, suggesting the observation reported al., 2014). However, few reports have appeared in herein may be novel for D. fuscus and potentially the literature regarding tail bifurcations in natural for the genus Desmognathus. While the cause of tail populations of post-larval amphibians (Henle et al., bifurcation observed in the D. fuscus is unknown, likely, 2012). Henle et al. (2012) exhaustively reviewed the this arose from damage during a predation attempt, as literature and reported 19 references documenting post has been suggested in cases of tail bifurcation in other larval tail bifurcation in 13 salamander species among salamanders (Henle et al., 2012). eight genera (Ambystoma, Plethodon, Chioglossa, Cynops, Lissotriton, Notophthalmus, Salamandra, and Triturus). More recently, Medina-Florez and Townsend (2014) reported tail bifurcation in Bolitoglossa heiroreias. Herein, I report an observation of tail bifurcation in Desmognathus fuscus (Rafinesque, 1820) a semiaquatic salamander native to the eastern United States and portions of extreme southeastern Canada (Petranka, 1998). On 22 December 2016 at 1200 h, a young, post-larval Desmognathus fuscus (ca. -
1 Southeastern Us Coastal Plain
1 In Press: 2000. Chapter XX. Pages __-__ in Richard C. Bruce, Robert J. Jaeger, and Lynn D. Houck, editors. The Biology of the Plethodontidae. Plenum Publishing Corp., New York, N. Y. SOUTHEASTERN U. S. COASTAL PLAIN HABITATS OF THE PLETHODONTIDAE: THE IMPORTANCE OF RELIEF, RAVINES, AND SEEPAGE D. BRUCE MEANS Coastal Plains Institute and Land Conservancy, 1313 N. Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303, USA 1. INTRODUCTION Because the Coastal Plain is geologically and biologically a very distinct region of the southeastern United States -- the southern portion having a nearly subtropical climate -- the life cycles, ecology, and evolutionary relationships of its plethodontid salamanders may be significantly different from plethodontids in the Appalachians and Piedmont. Little attention has been paid, however, to Coastal Plain plethodontids. For instance, of the 133 scientific papers and posters presented at the four plethodontid salamander conferences held in Highlands, North Carolina, since 1972, only three (2%) dealt with Coastal Plain plethodontids. And yet, while it possesses fewer total species than the Appalachians and Piedmont, the Coastal Plain boasts of slightly more plethodontid diversity at the generic level. The genera Phaeognathus, Haideotriton, and Stereochilus are Coastal Plain endemics, whereas in the Appalachians and Piedmont Gyrinophilus is the only endemic genus unless one accepts Leurognathus apart from Desmognathus. In addition, Aneides is found in the Appalachians and not the Coastal Plain, but the genus also occurs in the western U. S. All the rest of the plethodontid genera east of the Mississippi River are shared by the Coastal Plain with the Appalachians and Piedmont. Geographically, the Coastal Plain includes Long Island in New York, and stretches south from the New Jersey Pine Barrens to include all of Florida, then west to Texas (Fig. -
Delaware Basin: Tables 1
Delaware Table 3. Species of Greatest Conservation Need currently occurring in the Delaware Basin. Species are sorted alphabetically by taxonomic group and species common name. The Species Group designation is included, indicating which Species Group Report in the appendix will contain the full information about the species. The Stability of this basin's population is also indicated for each species. TaxaGroup Species SpeciesGroup Stability Bird American bittern Freshwater marsh nesting birds Decreasing Bird American woodcock Early successional forest/shrubland birds Decreasing Bird Bald eagle Bald Eagle Increasing Bird Bicknell's Thrush High altitude conifer forest birds Unknown Bird Black-billed cuckoo Early successional forest/shrubland birds Decreasing Bird Black-throated blue warbler Deciduous/mixed forest breeding birds Stable Bird Blue-winged warbler Early successional forest/shrubland birds Decreasing Bird Bobolink Grassland birds Decreasing Bird Brown thrasher Early successional forest/shrubland birds Decreasing Bird Canada warbler Early successional forest/shrubland birds Decreasing Bird Cerulean warbler Deciduous/mixed forest breeding birds Increasing Bird Common nighthawk Common nighthawk Decreasing Bird Cooper's hawk Forest breeding raptors Increasing Bird Eastern meadowlark Grassland birds Decreasing Bird Golden eagle Forest breeding raptors Unknown Bird Golden-winged warbler Early successional forest/shrubland birds Decreasing Bird Grasshopper sparrow Grassland birds Decreasing Bird Horned lark Grassland birds Decreasing -
Successful Reproduction of the Mole Salamander Ambystoma Talpoideum in Captivity, with an Emphasis on Stimuli Environmental Determinants
SHORT NOTE The Herpetological Bulletin 141, 2017: 28-31 Successful reproduction of the mole salamander Ambystoma talpoideum in captivity, with an emphasis on stimuli environmental determinants AXEL HERNANDEZ Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, University Pasquale Paoli of Corsica, Corte, 20250, France Author Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT - Generating and promoting evidence-based husbandry protocols for urodeles, commonly known as newts and salamanders, is urgently needed because most of the up-to-date ex situ programs are focused on frogs and toads than Urodela. Data on biology, life history, ecology and environmental parameters are lacking for many species and are needed to establish suitable husbandry and breeding conditions in captive environments. Two adult females and two adult males, of the mole salamander Ambystoma talpoideum successfully reproduced in captivity. It was found that reproduction of this species depends on various complex stimuli: including natural photoperiod 12:12, rainwater (acidic to neutral pH) and an aquarium full of various debris. Additionally high temperature variations ranging from 2 °C to 17 °C (a decrease followed by an increase) between November and February showed that it is possible to breed adults in aquariums provided the right stimuli are applied at the right moment of time in winter. A. talpoideum shows an explosive breeding mode as previously reported for the whole genus Ambystoma. INTRODUCTION with an emphasis on the environmental determinant stimuli involved. These data may assist in improving breeding these ince the 1980s, the current global amphibian extinction salamanders under artificial conditions. crisis has been discussed and acknowledged (Wake, A. -
A Preliminary Investigation of the Taxonomic Status Of
A Tale of Two Salamanders Rachael Glavin In 1951, Richard Hoffman performed a survey of Virginian amphibians and found what he considered a new subspecies of Desmognathus monticola to the east of the Shenandoah Valley, and named the new subspecies D. monticola jeffersoni (Hoffman, 1951). This subspecies was considered unique by Hoffman because of its unusual reticulated dorsal pattern caused by less extensive black spotting that merged to form the reticulated coloration and the geographical separation it had from D. monticola monticola. However, Petranka (2001), denied Hoffman’s subspecies classification of D. monticola jeffersoni. Petranka refers to Hoffman’s key distinction of D. m. jeffersoni: less conspicuous dorsal patterning. Petranka then stated that he has found salamanders that fit Hoffman’s description south of where the subspecies should exist. Without geographical separation, any subspecific designation for the Seal Salamander is not valid. Desmognathus monticola, the seal salamander, occurs in the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania to Georgia and Alabama (Conant, 1998; Petranka, 2010). Desmognathus monticola is in the family Plethodontidae, the lungless salamanders which respire entirely through their skin. Usually residing in well oxygenated mountain springs and streams in elevations below 1300 feet, D. monticola has a stout, gray body, about three to six inches in length (Conant, 1998; Martof et al., 1980; Petranka, 2010). The dorsal side has irregular black spots scattered randomly, and the tail of the salamander is laterally compressed and knife-shaped at the tip. D. monticola has a single line of white spots between the legs, cornified darkened friction pads on the toes, enlarged pre-maxillary teeth, and males are larger than females (Petranka, 2010). -
AMPHIBIANS of OHIO F I E L D G U I D E DIVISION of WILDLIFE INTRODUCTION
AMPHIBIANS OF OHIO f i e l d g u i d e DIVISION OF WILDLIFE INTRODUCTION Amphibians are typically shy, secre- Unlike reptiles, their skin is not scaly. Amphibian eggs must remain moist if tive animals. While a few amphibians Nor do they have claws on their toes. they are to hatch. The eggs do not have are relatively large, most are small, deli- Most amphibians prefer to come out at shells but rather are covered with a jelly- cately attractive, and brightly colored. night. like substance. Amphibians lay eggs sin- That some of these more vulnerable spe- gly, in masses, or in strings in the water The young undergo what is known cies survive at all is cause for wonder. or in some other moist place. as metamorphosis. They pass through Nearly 200 million years ago, amphib- a larval, usually aquatic, stage before As with all Ohio wildlife, the only ians were the first creatures to emerge drastically changing form and becoming real threat to their continued existence from the seas to begin life on land. The adults. is habitat degradation and destruction. term amphibian comes from the Greek Only by conserving suitable habitat to- Ohio is fortunate in having many spe- amphi, which means dual, and bios, day will we enable future generations to cies of amphibians. Although generally meaning life. While it is true that many study and enjoy Ohio’s amphibians. inconspicuous most of the year, during amphibians live a double life — spend- the breeding season, especially follow- ing part of their lives in water and the ing a warm, early spring rain, amphib- rest on land — some never go into the ians appear in great numbers seemingly water and others never leave it. -
Effects of Urbanization on Occupancy of Stream Salamanders
Contributed Paper Effects of Urbanization on Occupancy of Stream Salamanders STEVEN J. PRICE,∗†‡ KRISTEN K. CECALA,∗§ ROBERT A. BROWNE,† AND MICHAEL E. DORCAS∗ ∗Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035-7118, U.S.A. †Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, U.S.A. Abstract: Urban development is the most common form of land conversion in the United States. Using a before–after control-impact study design, we investigated the effects of urbanization on larval and adult stages of southern two-lined salamanders (Eurycea cirrigera) and northern dusky salamanders (Desmognathus fuscus). Over 5 years, we estimated changes in occupancy and probabilities of colonization and survival in 13 stream catchments after urbanization and in 17 catchments that were not urbanized. We also examined effects of proportion of urbanized area in a catchment and distance of the salamander population to the nearest stream on probabilities of colonization and survival. Before urbanization, adult and larval stages of the two salamander species occupied nearly all surveyed streams, with occupancy estimates ranging from 1.0 to 0.78. Four years after urbanization mean occupancy of larval and adult two-lined salamanders had decreased from 0.87 and 0.78 to 0.57 and 0.39, respectively. Estimates of mean occupancy of larval northern dusky salamanders decreased from 1.0 to 0.57 in urban streams 4 years after urbanization; however, adult northern dusky salamander occupancy remained close to 1.0 in urban streams over 5 years. Occupancy estimates in control streams were similar for each species and stage over 5 years.