MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WILDLIFE & HERITAGE SERVICE

Maryland's Salamanders and Newts  (Order Caudata)


Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)


Adult photo of Northern Slimy Salamander courtesy of Lori Erb
Photo of Slimy Salamander by Brian Gratwicke CC by 2.0

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Size:
4 ¾ - 6 ¾ in; Record – 8 ⅛ in.
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Appearance:
  • Black to bluish black sprinkled with silvery or brassy flecks. 
  • White, gray or yellow spots along the sides of the body may fuse to form a broad band. 
  • The belly, a grayish black, is slightly lighter than the back. 
  • Very sticky.  This salamander has tail glands that secrete a sticky substance when handled roughly.  This secretion does not wash off easily. 
  • Usually 16 costal grooves. 

Habitat:

Habitat photo of Northern Slimy Salamander courtesy of Scott Smith
Habitat Photo for Northern Slimy Salamander courtesy of Scott Smith

  • Prefers hardwood forests, although it may be found in all moist forest types. 
  • Moist wooded ravines and shaded hillsides are favorite locations, along with cave entrances and wooded floodplains.

Distribution in Maryland:
Maryland Distribution Map of Northern Slimy Salamander