Identification- 2.5-5" (6-14 cm) Medium sized dark brown to black salamander.  Easily placed in genus by the large paratoid glands, hind feet larger than front feet, pale line from angle of jaw to eye.  Triangular tail.  Young are spotted with paired yellow or red spots.
    Similar Species- Most easily confused with Mountain Dusky Salamander, but Mountain Duskies in New York are typically with a yellow or red stripe down the back and a more rounded tail.

Range- Dusky Salamanders are found throughout New York state, except Long Island, and all of Pennsylvania.

Habitat- Most commonly found along rocky woodland streams.  Unlike Mountain Duskies, Northern Dusky Salamanders seldom wander far from water.

Reproduction-  Presumably mates in spring.  June to September lays grapelike cluster of 12-30 eggs in or near water.  Females tend the nest.  Larvae hatch one to three months later.  Metamorphose at approximately one year of age.  Takes up to three years to reach maturity.

General Characteristics-
    One of the most common species of salamander.  Northern Duskies often reach high population densities.  In suitable habitat they may exceed 1-2 individuals per square meter.  These salamanders are mostly nocturnal, coming to the surface at night to hunt small invertebrates. Spring Salamanders are an important predator.  Like Mountain Duskies they will autonomize their tails in response to a predator.  Typically the animals darken as they grow, large individuals being nearly solid black, while young animals may still show evidence of the spotting and a slight mottling pattern.