Northern Slimy Salamander

Northern Slimy Salamander

Looks Like:  Slimy Salamanders are mostly black with abundant silver-white specks all over its body. It is also has a present nasolabial groove. The Slimy Salamander gets its name from the slimy, glue-like substance that is secreted from its skin glands. 

Lives In:  Under stones, rotting logs, in woodlands and along streams. They often moves underground through animal and insect burrows.

Niche:  Slimy Salamanders will feed on ants, beetles, sowbugs, and earthworms.

Threats:  The Slimy Salamander is neither considered threatened nor endangered throughout its range.

Frequency:  This species of salamander is common throughout the Shawangunks in moist, woodland areas.

Reproduction:  Males will attract females by performing an elaborate dance. Males during breeding season develop pink to red spots on their chin and feet. During the beginning of April, eggs are deposited in moist areas such as caves, under rocks, and rotting logs. Three months after the female lays eggs, the juveniles will emerge. The juveniles do not experience an aquatic stage like other salamanders do and will directly develop into adulthood. 

Fun Fact:  Slimy Salamanders were once considered one species, but recently, have been split into 13 separate species. They all look very similar to each other, but are best differentiated by range.