Slimy salamander
Plethodon glutinosus

IDENTIFICATION: A large relative of the redback, ranging in size between 12.1 -17.2 cm. The record longest is recorded as 20.6cm. Adults have a black to dark bluish background color sprinkled with large silver to gold flecks. The belly is slightly lighter than the dorsum. The tail is rounded in cross section like other plethodon species. As many as 15-17 costal grooves are apparent. Slimy salamander feels very sticky, like glue, due to skin secretions from the tail when handled roughly. Included are 13 genetically distinct species that are difficult to distinguish in the field.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY: Two main factors reducing populations of the slimy salamanders are deforestation and the conversion of hardwoods to pine monocultures.
BREEDING/LARVAE: Breeding patterns vary depending on geographical locations. Part of the courtship is regarded as a "foot dance" where the male raises and lowers his rear limbs, dancing around the female. After spermatophore deposition and retraction, the couple breaks up. Courting males will bite other males during their pursuit of the female, forming a sexual competition between them. Females usually lay their cluster of eggs suspended from the ceiling of a natural cavity guarding them carefully before and shortly after hatching.
HABITAT: Usually found beneath logs and stones in woods, in crevices of shale banks, and along the sides of wooded gullies and ravines. They inhabit swamp forests, wet pinewoods, and are also known to frequent caves.
FOOD: The slimy salamander will feed on a variety of prey including insects (primarily ants and beetles), snails, earthworms, and even smaller salamanders.
PREDATORS: Some predators include garter snakes , copperheads, and cave salamanders (E. lucifuga) may feed on the smaller slimy salamanders.
RANGE: The slimy salamander most commonly inhibits eastern deciduous forests. Its range is from central New York to central Florida and central Missouri southward to central Texas. Isolations occur in New Hampshire and in parts of Louisiana, Arkansas, and eastern Texas.

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