Dusky's (Desmognathus spp.) are incredibly hard to identify. Things to note are
1. color of the belly or venter- dark, light, gray...
2. keeled or rounded tail? Some have a reduced keel.
3. habitat- in a stream or more terrestrial
4. cornifications on the toes- cornifications allow salamaders living in swift water to grip the substrate. Toes will be black
5. range- I use the USGS's web site for ranges
Taking correct notice of these features will get you a good approximation (or even 100% identification) of the species but only DNA and the current taxonomy will get you the correct identification (which of course may change with new genetic evidence). Did this salamander have black toe pads or cornifications? If yes, than it may actually be a seal salamander (but it could be others).
