Desmognathus abditus Anderson & Tilley, 2003

Taxonomic Classification

The Cumberland dusky salamander (Desmognathus abditus Anderson & Tilley, 2003) is a lungless salamander species belonging to the family Plethodontidae.

Endemic Range & Habitats

It is endemic to the United States, and its natural habitats are temperate forests and rivers.

Conservation Threat

This species is currently threatened by habitat loss.

Description Background

This species was first formally described in 2003, and little information is available about it overall.

Previous Taxonomic Assumption

Before its description, the Allegheny Mountain dusky salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus) was considered to be a single species.

Species Complex Confirmation

Studies using nucleic acid sequencing and agar gel electrophoresis later demonstrated that D. ochrophaeus is actually a species complex.

Complex Membership

The Cumberland dusky salamander is one of five members of this complex.

State Distribution

It has only been recorded at several sites on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, United States.

Range Extremes

Its northernmost known site is near Wartburg in Morgan County, and its southernmost known site is on the southern side of the Cumberland Plateau near Tracy City in Grundy County.

Microhabitat

All known specimens have been found under rocks in streams, or within one meter of flowing water.

Preferred Microhabitat Features

This species particularly favors moss-covered rocks behind cascades.

Sympatric Species & Hybridization

Several other salamander species share the Cumberland dusky salamander's range, and it is thought to hybridize with the Allegheny Mountain dusky salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus) and the Ocoee salamander (Desmognathus ocoee).

Diet

It is likely that the Cumberland dusky salamander feeds on small invertebrates found in leaf litter.

Predators

Potential predators of this species include small mammals, birds, snakes, and possibly larger salamanders of the genus Desmognathus.