Northern Dusky Salamander vs Red Salamander
How does the Northern Dusky Salamander compare to the Red 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
- Desmognathus fuscus
- Pseudotriton ruber
- Classification
- Amphibian
- Amphibian
- Family
- Plethodontidae
- Plethodontidae
- Habitat
- Moist forests near freshwater streams and springs
- Moist forests near streams and springs
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 8-15 years
- 10-20 years
- Weight
- 2-5 grams
- 5-12 grams
Northern Dusky Salamander vs Red Salamander: who would win?

Northern Dusky Salamander
2-5 grams

Red Salamander
5-12 grams
Red Salamander wins moderate confidence
Red Salamander is substantially heavier (5-12 grams vs 2-5 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. 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: Moist forests near freshwater streams and springs vs Moist forests near streams and springs.
- Weight: 2-5 grams vs 5-12 grams.
Northern Dusky Salamander vs Red Salamander: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Northern Dusky Salamander or a Red Salamander?
Red Salamander wins. Red Salamander is substantially heavier (5-12 grams vs 2-5 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. 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 Northern Dusky Salamander and a Red Salamander?
Northern Dusky Salamander and Red Salamander differ in several ways — habitat: moist forests near freshwater streams and springs vs moist forests near streams and springs. weight: 2-5 grams vs 5-12 grams.
Do Northern Dusky Salamander and Red Salamander live in the same habitat?
No — Northern Dusky Salamander lives in moist forests near freshwater streams and springs, while Red Salamander is found in moist forests near streams and springs.
What do Northern Dusky Salamander and Red Salamander eat?
Both Northern Dusky Salamander and Red Salamander have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Northern Dusky Salamander or the Red Salamander?
Northern Dusky Salamander is listed as Least Concern, while Red Salamander is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Northern Dusky Salamander and Red Salamander?
Northern Dusky Salamander weighs around 2-5 grams, while Red Salamander weighs around 5-12 grams.

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Northern Dusky Salamander

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Red Salamander
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