The spotted dusky salamander is a commonly found, semi-aquatic salamander. Adults range from six to fourteen centimeters in total length. In general, they occur in forested habitats in and along the margins of small streams with rocks, logs, moss, and other cover. Younger spotted dusky salamanders generally occur close to streams and adults remain in burrows in surrounding streambanks. Breeding is reported in both autumn and spring.
Nests are in damp, sheltered places.
Eggs hatch in five to seven weeks and hatchlings are gilled and must stay in streams. After about 13 months, individuals lose their gills and become adults. These salamanders are carnivores that eat a wide variety of insects and other invertebrates. Adult two-lined salamanders range from 6.4 to 11 centimeters in total length. Adults typically reside in moist situations along the margins of small, rocky streams, but also may occur on the forest floor far from running water Breeding takes place in the winter.