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.


Side-by-side comparison
- 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
2-5 grams

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.

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Cave Salamander

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Northern Dusky Salamander







