Description: Dwarf Blackbelly Salamanders are smaller than Black-Bellied Salamander with a slightly different color pattern. While the belly is also black, the dorsum is usually a vermiculite pattern of brown and black though in some specimens the browns and blacks are arranged in irregular blotching. Both the toes and limbs are proportionately smaller than Black-Bellied Salamander, and the tail is rounder with a lower tail fin.
Habitat: The Dwarf Black-bellied salamander is found in or along the banks of rocky, clear, cool, swift moving streams near waterfalls and seeps. Refuges are in rock crevices or burrows.
Range: This species was previously known only from the west fork of Wolf Creek and Helton Creek in the Nottely River drainage of Union County, Georgia. It is now known to also occur across the Conasauga, Hiwassee, Nottely, Toccoa, Chattahoochee, and Savannah river systems, both north and south of the Blue Ridge divide in northern Georgia and adjacent southwestern North Carolina and northwestern South Carolina. It is widely distributed in within the Hiwassee River and its tributaries, which include the west fork of Wolf Creek and Helton Creek, in Georgia. In North Carolina, this species has been recorded from the Savannah River drainage in Clay County. In South Carolina, it is known from Pickens County. It occurs at elevations of 670-1,035 m asl. This species is likely to be more widespread than is currently known. The extent of occurrence (EOO) of the currently mapped range is 11,988 km2.
Diet: Prey items consist of a variety of invertebrates (insect, crayfish, arachnids, worms, mollusks) as well as other smaller salamanders such as Plethodon, Eurycea, and other Desmognathus, though they have been shown to not be a significant predator of other salamanders as previously thought.
Reproduction: Very little is known about the courtship behavior of these species, but it is suspected to be similar to other Desmognathus species. The eggs are usually found in summer beneath rocks in fast-flowing water and can be deposited in clumps or singly in layers. The larvae hatch with all four limbs developed and can take 3-4 years to metamorphose. This species has aquatic larvae.
Status: The species has an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 11,988 km2; however, it occurs in an area of extensive, suitable habitat which does not appear to be under significant threat and it has a presumed large population. It is therefore listed as Least Concern.
Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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