Identification
The
Northern Slimy Salamander is one of thirteen genetically distinct species of
Slimy Salamanders that are collectively known as the “slimy salamander
complex.” Northern Slimy Salamanders are blue or blue-black in color,
and have many scattered white spots or flecks. Patterns are variable, and some
individuals may be completely black with very few white flecks, while others
may be heavily spotted on the sides. The belly and chin are black, and there
may also be white spots on the chin, and on the underside of the tail. Their
feet are typically gray and they have moderately large, bulging eyes. Adults
grow to lengths of 10.5-20.6 cm (4.1-8.1 in), and have 15-17 grooves on the
sides of the body (costal grooves).
Distribution and Status
The Northern Slimy Salamander can be found from southern New Hampshire and central
New York, south to central Georgia and eastern Alabama, and west through southern
Illinois. Disjunct populations can be found in southern New Hampshire. In the
Midwest, the Northern Slimy Salamander can be found in Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana.
Ecology
Northern Slimy Salamanders inhabit moist, hilly forests, where they can be found
in a variety of ground cover including rotting logs or stumps, or under rocks,
bark, and leaf litter. Winter is spent underground in the burrows of small animals,
amongst root systems, or in deep crevices in rock outcrops. Slimy Salamanders
defensively secrete a whitish sticky substance from their skin that makes them
unappetizing to potential predators.
Threats and Management Issues
Moist woodlands with plenty of refuge sites, including logs and rock outcrops,
as well as natural ground debris are all important for the survival of the Northern
Slimy Salamander. Because of this, intensive timber harvesting operations, as
well as the “cleaning-up” of down timber would prove detrimental
to this species.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Reference guides and websites specific to Amphibians.
Links to more information on the Northern Slimy Salamander outside the Herp Center
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Virginia Fish and Wildlife Service
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499