Northern Slimy Salamander
Plethodon glutinosus
Conservation Status:
Description
Northern slimy salamanders grow from four to seven inches long. They are primarily black, with white specks across their whole bodies. They have distinctly cylindrical tails. Females of this species are slightly larger than males.
Habitat
These salamanders live in undisturbed
forests and ravines that have a moist environment. They can be found on rocky slopes or within woodlands with plenty of debris to use as cover.
Behavior
Slimy salamanders are nocturnal, and hide under leaf litter and other debris on the forest floor during the day. They are territorial, and aggressive towards others in close proximity. Invertebrates
are their main food source, favoring beetles, worms, and many other insects. When threatened, this species secretes a sticky, gluey substance. While the predator is attempting to unstick itself, it gives the salamander time to flee. They breed in the spring, laying four to twelve eggs in moist locations under logs and rocks. Females remain with the eggs until they hatch. Slimy salamanders do not have an aquatic larval stage.
Range
Present
Northern Slimy Salamander
Photo needed! Email ajones7428@gmail.com
Often Confused with
Blue-Spotted Salamander
Photographed by Cody Limber
Blue-spotted salamanders and slimy salamanders both have dark coloration with lighter spots. Slimy salamanders have cylindrical tails and their spots are white, generally covering most, if not all parts of their bodies. Blue-spotted salamanders have blue spots, and these are usually confined to their legs, tail, and stomach.
Northern Slimy Salamander
Photo needed! Email ajones7428@gmail.com
Often Confused with
Jefferson Salamander
Photographed by stevejr
Jefferson salamanders and slimy salamanders both have dark coloration with lighter spots. Jefferson salamanders are usually lighter in color, with slimy salamanders being a pure black. Jefferson salamanders also have laterally flattened tails, and small light blue speckling that is generally confined to their legs, tail, and belly. Slimy salamanders have cylindrical tails and their spots are white, generally covering most, if not all parts of their bodies.