Blackbelly salamander
A species of Dusky salamanders Scientific name : Desmognathus quadramaculatus Genus : Dusky salamanders
Blackbelly salamander, A species of Dusky salamanders
Scientific name: Desmognathus quadramaculatus
Genus: Dusky salamanders
Content
Description General Info
Photo By gulf-coast-critters , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The blackbelly salamander (Desmognathus quadramaculatus) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to the United States. Its natural habitats are rivers, intermittent rivers, and freshwater springs. It is threatened by habitat loss.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Blackbelly salamander exhibits a carnivorous diet primarily focused on small invertebrates. Crucially, it consumes a variety of creatures such as insects, spiders, snails, and even smaller salamanders, employing a sit-and-wait predation strategy.
Appearance
Blackbelly salamander is a medium-sized salamander, typically reaching lengths of 13 to 20 centimeters. Its cylindrical body is covered in moist, smooth skin that is typically dark brown or black and contrasted by a light-to-yellow belly. The species is known for its wavy or spotted lighter patterns along its body and a row of light spots on the back. Males and females of the species look similar although males do have a slightly enlarged jaw.
Behavior
Blackbelly salamander is a solitary, primarily nocturnal dweller of cool, fast-flowing streams. This amphibian is territorial and aggressive in defending its defined space. Often sedentary, it remains in one body segment, feeding on aquatic invertebrates and sheltering under rocks. It exhibits distinct direct development, wherein eggs hatch into miniature adults, skipping the free-swimming larval stage.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
Lungless salamanders Genus
Dusky salamanders Species
Blackbelly salamander 
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