Northern Slimy Salamander

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

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

Description:
Moderately large and robust species. The background is jet black with dense to almost absent white to sliver spots. Some individuals may be uniform black. The underside is slate-grey. The throat is light brown.

Adult Coloration:
  • 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.
Adult 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 Characteristics:
  • Similar to adults, but are uniform grey to black with light scattered spots. The ventral lacks pigment.
Range:

Juvenile Gallery:

May be Confused With:
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.
Credits:
  • Jason Poston
  • Tom Diez
  • Bob Hamilton
  • Kyle Loucks
  • Sebastian Harris
  • Don Becker (psychoticnature.com)

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