Northern Slimy Salamander Plethodon glutinosus
by Carol Senske
Title
Northern Slimy Salamander Plethodon glutinosus
Artist
Carol Senske
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The northern slimy salamander is typically black in color, with numerous silvery spots or gold spots (or both) across its back. It is usually 12–17 cm (4.7–6.7 in) in total length (including tail), but can grow to 20.6 cm (8.1 in). Males are not easily distinguished from females, though females tend to be slightly larger.
This one was close to our compost pile where the forest floor is pretty moist and there is lots of leaf litter. They eat insects, especially sow bugs, beetles, earthworms, and ants, and they want a permanent supply of water nearby.
They are territorial and will fight for space, and the females guard their eggs which hatch out as miniature adults - there is no aquatic stage. It takes three years to become mature.
I was surprised to see this one. Although they are not endangered, they are rarely in a place I can find them.
Uploaded
December 25th, 2021
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Comments (10)
Larry Kniskern
Congratulations, Carol – your amphibian scene has been featured by the Go Take a Hike Photography Group! Feel free to add it to the 2022 Featured Images thread in the group discussion board for archive.
Nicklas Gustafsson
What a cool capture!
Carol Senske replied:
It was as if nature handed me a gift:>). Thank you for your visit and wonderful comment, Nicklas.
Bunny Clarke
Beautiful little creature and capture. I used to love hunting these just to see how many there were.
Bette Devine
Awful name for a handsome little creature. An excellent capture showing every detail :)
Carol Senske replied:
It is a nasty name, isn't it! Poor little guy/gal deserves a much better name. Nice to ha e you drop in and comment - many thanks!
Doris Potter
What a beauty! I have only seen one salamander in my life.
Carol Senske replied:
They are generally shy and reclusive, as you know:>). This was 'right place, right time" - sheer luck!
Angela Davies
What a great find and capture, love to see these secretive little creatures out and about LF
Carol Senske replied:
We are fortunate with where we live, but the sprawl is always encroaching. So far we are spared:>). Happy New Year!
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