Western Slimy Salamander
ExploreAmphibians
Western Slimy Salamander
Plethodon albagula
The Western Slimy Salamander is a small, shiny creature that loves to hide under rocks and logs. It has a smooth, dark body with bright yellow or white spots that make it look special!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Western Slimy Salamander is a medium-sized amphibian with a glossy, charcoal-black body densely covered in bright white or silvery-white flecks, giving it a 'starry night' appearance. Its belly is typically dark, contrasting with the spotted back.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusPlethodon
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Mother salamanders are super protective, guarding their eggs until they hatch!
These sneaky hunters come out mostly at night to find their buggy meals!
They can grow back a lost tail or even a limb if a predator grabs them!
They prefer to live entirely on land, never needing to return to water as adults!
Special abilities
Ability
Slime Shield
Western Slimy Salamander can produce super sticky, noxious slime that helps them deter predators by making them hard to hold and unpleasant to eat.
Ability
Skin Breather
Western Slimy Salamander has no lungs, breathing entirely through its skin and lining of its mouth, which helps them absorb oxygen in damp places.
Ability
Tongue Trapper
Western Slimy Salamander can shoot its super-fast, sticky tongue out to snatch unsuspecting insects, helping them catch quick prey effectively.
Ability
Direct Developer
Western Slimy Salamander has direct development, meaning its eggs hatch into tiny adults, skipping the typical tadpole stage and aquatic life.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-18 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.015 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Top Speed
- 0.1 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 8-20
Diet & Feeding
Tiny insects, spiders, and worms are what this salamander loves to munch on.
Primary Foods
- Ants
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Springtails
- Mites
- Earthworms
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eats
Silky Ant
Formica fusca
A common ant species often found in its diet.
eats
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
They forage on the forest floor for these wriggly worms.
eaten by
Dekay's Brown Snake
Storeria dekayi
A common forest snake that preys on small amphibians.
eaten by
Virginia Opossum
Didelphis virginiana
Opportunistic mammal predator in the salamander's range.
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.
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.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch where you step in the forest, and be gentle if you see a salamander!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Western Slimy Salamander?
10-18 cm
How much does Western Slimy Salamander weigh?
0.005-0.015 kg
How long does Western Slimy Salamander live?
10-15 years
How fast can Western Slimy Salamander move?
0.1 km/h
What does Western Slimy Salamander eat?
Tiny insects, spiders, and worms are what this salamander loves to munch on.
Where is Western Slimy Salamander usually found?
Forests
How does Western Slimy Salamander hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Western Slimy Salamander lay?
8-20
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
%2C_Vorderansich.jpg&width=800)
