Amphibians
Blackbelly Salamander
Desmognathus quadramaculatus · also called black-bellied salamander, blackbelly salamanders
Braced against the current of a fast southern Appalachian mountain stream, a blackbelly salamander lunges at a smaller salamander that strayed too close, a reminder that the largest member of its genus is also one of the more capable predators sharing these cold, fast waters.
Overview
The blackbelly salamander, Desmognathus quadramaculatus, is a large, powerful amphibian native to fast, cold mountain streams across a range of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Its status as the largest member of its genus, distinctive solid black underside, and willingness to prey on smaller salamander species make it one of the more formidable stream-dwelling salamanders in eastern North America.
The biggest predator in its own family
Within the fast mountain streams it shares with several smaller relatives, the blackbelly salamander’s larger size gives it a genuine predatory advantage, turning what might otherwise be neighbours into potential prey.
Status
Least Concern — widespread and stable across suitable fast mountain stream habitat throughout the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Blackbelly Salamander: common questions
Why is it called the blackbelly salamander?
An adult of this species displays a solid black or dark grey belly, a feature distinctive enough to give the species its common name and to help distinguish it from several related stream salamanders that show paler, more mottled underside colouration.
Does the blackbelly salamander eat other salamanders?
Yes, this species is large and predatory enough to readily eat smaller salamanders, including juveniles of its own species and other, smaller Desmognathus species that share the same fast mountain streams, making it one of the more significant predators within its own genus.
Why does the blackbelly salamander stay so close to fast streams?
This species depends on cold, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated water, both as an adult and during an unusually long larval period, and straying far from suitable stream habitat would expose it to drier conditions and lower oxygen levels than its physiology is adapted to handle.
How big does a blackbelly salamander get?
This species is the largest member of its genus, with a robust, muscular build considerably larger than many of its smaller Desmognathus relatives, an adaptation well suited to holding its position against the current in the fast mountain streams it calls home.