Slimy Salamander

Scientific Name: Plethodon glutinosus
Size: 4-8 inches (10.16-20.32 cm) in length
PA Status: Abundant

Habitat Type:Heavy forested areas, open shale-covered embankments and hillsides adjacent to dense forest.

Colorations:

  • The dorsal background is jet black with dense to almost absent white to sliver spots. Some individuals may be uniform black.
  • The ventral is slate-grey.
  • The gular fold is light brown.

Characteristics:

  • Moderately large and robust species.
  • The head is moderately large, square and slightly set-off from the body.
  • The snout is sharply truncated.
  • The limbs are muscular with well-developed fingers and toes.
  • The tail is circular in the cross-section and gradually tapers to a point.
  • 15-17 costal grooves.

Juvenile coloration and characteristics:

  • Similar to adults, but are uniform grey to black with light scattered spots. The ventral lacks pigment.

Confused with:

  • Marbled Salamander

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults
Slimy Salamander - By: Jason Poston Slimy Salamander - By: Jason Poston Slimy Salamander - By: Jason Poston
Slimy Salamander - By: John Smith Slimy Salamander - By: Kyle Loucks Slimy Salamander - By: Kyle Loucks
Slimy Salamander - By: Kyle Loucks Slimy Salamander - By: Kyle Loucks Slimy Salamander - By: Tom Diez
Slimy Salamander -Uniform Black- By: Tom Diez

Juveniles
Slimy Salamander - By: Tom Diez Slimy Salamander - By: Bob Hamilton Slimy Salamander - By: Jason Poston

Range Map:

References:

  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 106-108pp.
  • Petranka, James W. ,1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 354-361pp.

Photo Credits:

  • Jason Poston
  • Tom Diez
  • Bob Hamilton
  • Kyle Loucks