Pygmy Salamander

Pygmy Salamander

The Pygmy Salamanderis a species of reptiles found in some parts of the United States. It is the smallest of all the 19 species of salamanders in its genus ‘Desmognathus’.

Scientific Name Desmognathuswrighti

Classification – Desmognathus

Gender Names – Male – boar; Female – sow; Baby – eft

Collective Noun – Herd, congress

Length/Size – 35–44 mm (1.4–1.7 in)

Life Expectancy – No data in the wild; up to 15 to 20 years in captivity

Mating Season  Late fall and late spring months

Gestation Period – 2 months

Special Features  They are nocturnal with a very small size with bright brick red to yellow or brown patterns

Social Structure – Lives a solitary life like other salamander species

Geographical Distribution – North Carolina and Tennessee, USA

Natural Habitat – Humid forested areas, under rotten logs and mosses

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Diet – Small arthropods

Predators – Other larger salamanders like spring salamander, as well as carabid beetles