Desmognathus
Sign in to saveDesmognathus is a genus of lungless salamanders in the family Plethodontidae known as dusky salamanders. They range throughout the eastern United States as far west as Texas, and north to southeastern Canada.
Species
GENUS
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumChordata
- ClassAmphibia
- OrderCaudata
- FamilyPlethodontidae
Habitatfreshwater
via GBIF
Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Parent taxon
- Plethodontinae
- Image
- D auriculatus USGS.jpg
Show 2 more facts
- P105
- genus
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Article
5 sectionsContents
- Characteristics
- Species
- References
- External links
- Further reading
Desmognathus is a genus of lungless salamanders in the family Plethodontidae known as dusky salamanders. They range throughout the eastern United States as far west as Texas, and north to southeastern Canada.
== Characteristics == Species of the genus Desmognathus have a unique jaw-opening mechanism where the lower jaw is stationary and the skull swings open. There are additional stalked condyles, an atlanto-mandibular ligament, along with other skeletal and musculature features that have evolved to accompany this type of jaw-opening mechanism. Additionally, they are known to exhibit maternal care by brooding over their eggs. thumb|An unidentified Desmognathus species as seen in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN.