Observations by tristanclark

This individual was found under a rock at the head of a cave spring with a red salamander, it appears to be from the quadramaculatus / marmoratus family but the area where this one was found was in the middle of the ridge and valley. Years ago, I seen several other odd black desmognathus like this one at the same place, all near the spring head. I have also got a report of "shovelnose" salamanders from Southeastern Kentucky, after informing the people that shovelnose salamanders are not found outside of the Blue Ridge Mountains and showing them this picture, they said this is exactly what they saw. I am not sure if we are looking at an undescribed species or a bizarre, disjunct population of blackbellied salamanders away from the mountains.