Plethodon glutinosus
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Amphibia |
| Order: Urodela |
| Family: Plethodontinae |
| Genus: Plethodon |
| Species: Plethodon glutinosus |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Northern slimy salamander are usually a shiny black color, with a pale gray belly and covered in silvery spots along its back. They can grow to be around 4-6 inches and will secrete slime when handled.
Habitat & Range
Northern slimy salamander live in rocky banks, ravines, and shady moisty forests throughout eastern North America. Both adults and larvae are terrestial.
Behavior
Northern slimy salamander are extremely territorial and will show aggresive behavior to other salamanders to mark their territory. As their name suggests, northern slimy salamander will secrete large amounts of slime when threatened. These secretions are adhesive and may bound shut the jaws of a potential predator.
Life Cycle
In the spring, northern slimy salamanders breed once a year after the females have reached their second year of life. Unlike other salamanders, they do not need to migrate to bodies of water to lay their eggs. Females deposit clutches of their eggs in moist logs or underneath rocks and will guard the eggs until they hatch.
Featured image by Patrick Coin.