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''Desmognathus'' is a
Tree of Life: Desmognathus
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genus
Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...
of lungless salamander
Plethodontidae, or lungless salamanders, are a family of salamanders. Most species are native to the Western Hemisphere, from British Columbia to Brazil, although a few species are found in Sardinia, Europe south of the Alps, and South Korea. In ...
s in the family Plethodontidae known as dusky salamanders. They range from Texas to the eastern United States and to south-eastern Canada.
Characteristics
Species of the genus ''Desmognathus'' have a unique jaw-opening mechanism where the lower jaw is stationary and the skull swings open. There are additional stalked condyles, an atlanto-mandibular ligament, along with other skeletal and musculature features that have evolved to accompany this type of jaw-opening mechanism. Additionally, they are known to exhibit maternal care by brooding over their eggs.
Species
Thisgenus
Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...
includes the following 30-31 species:
References
External links
Tree of Life: Desmognathus
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Further reading
* Baird SF. 1850. Revision of the North American Tailed-Batrachia, with descriptions of new genera and species. ''J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia'', Series 2, 1: 281–294. (''Desmognathus'', new genus, p. 282). Amphibian genera Amphibians of North America Taxa named by Spencer Fullerton Baird {{Plethodontidae-stub