Description: Desmognathus planiceps closely resembles many other species in the genus Desmognathus, but can be distinguished by its flattened head, reddish-brown dorsal stripe dotted with dark spots, and tan spots on the venter.

Habitat: This species inhabits rocky first- and second-order streams in deciduous woodlands. It is restricted to shallow, cool, fast-moving streams. During the day individuals are often found under rocks, logs, rubbish, or other sheltering objects at the water's edge. This species is not thought to be tolerant of stream degradation. It is expected to breed by larval development, as with congeners.

Range: It is found in the Blue Ridge Mountains and adjacent Piedmont of Virginia, ranging from southern Roanoke County south to the headwaters of the Dan River in Patrick County and east to Pittsylvania County. Potential specimens referable to this species are also known from the New River drainage in Floyd County and potentially adjacent regions of North Carolina.

Found in these States: NC | VA

Diet: Like other dusky salamanders, they forage at night on a variety of invertebrates.

Reproduction: Not much is known about the life history and reproduction of D. planiceps. However, members of the Desmognathus genus have internal fertilization via spermatophores, terrestrial eggs, and aquatic larvae.

Status: Listed as Endangered because its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 2,580 km2, it likely occurs in five or fewer threat-defined locations, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat.

Taxonomy: Desmognathus planiceps was described in 1955 but was later reclassified as synonymous with the northern dusky salamander (D. fuscus). However, a phylogenetic study in 2008 affirmed it as being a distinct species, and it was thus revived as such.