All comparisons

Cave Salamander vs Northern Dusky Salamander

How does the Cave Salamander compare to the Northern Dusky Salamander? They are both members of the Plethodontidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.

Cave Salamander
Northern Dusky Salamander

Side-by-side comparison

Cave Salamander
Northern Dusky Salamander
Scientific name
Eurycea lucifuga
Desmognathus fuscus
Classification
Amphibian
Amphibian
Family
Plethodontidae
Plethodontidae
Habitat
Caves, rocky forests near streams and springs
Moist forests near freshwater streams and springs
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Least Concern
Least Concern
Lifespan
8-10 years
8-15 years
Weight
2-5 grams
2-5 grams

Cave Salamander vs Northern Dusky Salamander: who would win?

Cave Salamander

Cave Salamander

2-5 grams

VS
Northern Dusky Salamander

Northern Dusky Salamander

2-5 grams

Too close to call speculative confidence

Cave Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander are closely matched on both size (2-5 grams vs 2-5 grams) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

Similarities

  • Both are amphibians.
  • Both belong to the Plethodontidae family.
  • Both have a carnivore diet.
  • Both are listed as Least Concern.

Differences

  • Habitat: Caves, rocky forests near streams and springs vs Moist forests near freshwater streams and springs.

Cave Salamander vs Northern Dusky Salamander: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a Cave Salamander or a Northern Dusky Salamander?

Too close to call. Cave Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander are closely matched on both size (2-5 grams vs 2-5 grams) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

What is the difference between a Cave Salamander and a Northern Dusky Salamander?

Cave Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander differ in several ways — habitat: caves, rocky forests near streams and springs vs moist forests near freshwater streams and springs.

Do Cave Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander live in the same habitat?

No — Cave Salamander lives in caves, rocky forests near streams and springs, while Northern Dusky Salamander is found in moist forests near freshwater streams and springs.

What do Cave Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander eat?

Both Cave Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander have a carnivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the Cave Salamander or the Northern Dusky Salamander?

Cave Salamander is listed as Least Concern, while Northern Dusky Salamander is listed as Least Concern.

How big are Cave Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander?

Cave Salamander weighs around 2-5 grams, while Northern Dusky Salamander weighs around 2-5 grams.

Cave Salamander

Full profile

Cave Salamander

Northern Dusky Salamander

Full profile

Northern Dusky Salamander