Northern Slimy Salamander
ExploreAmphibians
Northern Slimy Salamander
Plethodon glutinosus
The Northern Slimy Salamander is a small, shiny creature that loves to hide under rocks and logs. It has a smooth, black body with bright yellow or white spots that make it look special!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Northern Slimy Salamander is a glossy black amphibian covered in tiny, silvery-white or gold flecks, giving it a 'starry' appearance. It has a robust body and a long tail, often appearing moist.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusPlethodon
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Each salamander has a unique pattern of speckles, like a fingerprint!
Females guard their eggs for months, acting as very protective parents.
They hatch as miniature adults, skipping the typical tadpole stage entirely!
They often hide under logs and rocks, making them champions of hide-and-seek!
Special abilities
Ability
Sticky Shield
Northern Slimy Salamander can produce super-sticky glue from its skin that helps them escape predators by making them difficult to hold.
Ability
Skin Breather
Northern Slimy Salamander has special skin that allows them to absorb oxygen directly from the air, helping them breathe without lungs.
Ability
Quick Escape Tail
Northern Slimy Salamander can drop its tail when caught, which wriggles to distract predators while they make a quick getaway.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 12-21 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.03 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 0.1 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 6-36
Diet & Feeding
These slimy hunters slurp up tiny forest critters like worms and insects to stay healthy.
Primary Foods
- Earthworms
- Slugs
- Snails
- Spiders
- Ants
- Beetles
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
A common snake predator in their forest homes.
eats
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
Actively hunts and consumes these burrowing invertebrates.
eats
Red Wood Ant
Formica rufa
Feeds on various ant species found in leaf litter.
eaten by
Virginia Opossum
Didelphis virginiana
Opportunistic mammal predators might eat them.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Threatened
Threatened status denotes a species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future without effective conservation interventions.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to look at salamanders from a distance and not touch them, as they can be sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Northern Slimy Salamander?
12-21 cm
How much does Northern Slimy Salamander weigh?
0.01-0.03 kg
How long does Northern Slimy Salamander live?
10-20 years
How fast can Northern Slimy Salamander move?
0.1 km/h
What does Northern Slimy Salamander eat?
These slimy hunters slurp up tiny forest critters like worms and insects to stay healthy.
Where is Northern Slimy Salamander usually found?
Forests
How does Northern Slimy Salamander hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Northern Slimy Salamander lay?
6-36
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