Ocoee salamander
A species of Dusky salamanders Scientific name : Desmognathus ocoee Genus : Dusky salamanders
Ocoee salamander, A species of Dusky salamanders
Scientific name: Desmognathus ocoee
Genus: Dusky salamanders
Content
Description General Info
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Description
The Ocoee salamander (Desmognathus ocoee) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, rivers, intermittent rivers, freshwater springs and wet rocks in mountainous areas of the Southeastern United States. It was first described by J. C. Nicholls in 1949.
General Info
Lifespan
6-10 years
Diet
Ocoee salamander is mainly a carnivorous species, with diet predominantly consisting of small terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates. Diving deeper into its eating habits, it particularly savors insects, spiders, and mollusks, providing key nutrients for survival and growth.
Appearance
The ocoee salamander is a small, slender salamander with a long body and tail, and smooth, moist skin. Its coloration is generally brown or black with varying patterns of lighter flecks or blotches. The ocoee salamander also features a defined ridge or 'keel' along the tail. There are no remarkable differences in appearance due to age, gender or subspecies.
Behavior
Ocoee salamander is a solitary, terrestrial species ordinarily active at night. An ambush predator, it waits patiently in leaf litter for prey. When confronted, ocoee salamander employs tail autotomy, distracting predators by voluntarily severing its tail. Males display aggressive territorial behavior, especially during mating season.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
Lungless salamanders Genus
Dusky salamanders Species
Ocoee salamander 
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