[2][3][1] Desmognathus conanti was described in 1958 by Douglas A. Rossman, but was later reclassified as a subspecies of the northern dusky salamander (D.

[4] However, numerous genetic and morphological studies since then have affirmed it as being a distinct species and it was elevated to full specific status in 1996.

[5][2][6] In addition, genetic studies indicate that D. conanti is paraphyletic with respect to the Santeetlah dusky salamander (D. santeelah), which lies nested within it; thus, D. conanti itself likely represents a species complex of multiple undescribed cryptic species.

[7] Desmognathus conanti has a wide range in the southeastern and south-central United States, ranging from southern Illinois south to the panhandle of Florida, and west to Louisiana and southern Arkansas.

With the male’s tail undulating, it will attempt to slide the stationary female onto it and essentially drag her forward and deposit his spermatophore in order for her to receive it through her cloaca.