Mississippi Slimy Salamander

Plethodon mississippi

Description

The Mississippi slimy salamander is a woodland salamander (Genus Plethodon) found in a variety of habitats throughout the state. They also range into Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. This species looks similar to the other members of the Plethodon glutinosis complex: black body with small white spots. The underside may be lighter than the dorsum. Males have a small circular gland called a mental gland under the chin, which is used for mating behaviors. When provoked, slimy salamanders can produce a sticky, glue-like substance from their tails. 

Adult male found near a rotting tree along a stream, Claiborne Co. (MS)

Identifying Traits

  • Black body with small white spots (sometimes spotting is reduced)
Range

Habitat

Woodlands, often near sources of water (Powell et al., 2016)

Behavior

Generally utilizes natural structures like rocks and logs for shelter

Diet

Various small invertebrates

Adult female from a rocky outcrop, Claiborne Co. (MS)
Example of a salamander with reduced spotting on the dorsum, Tangipahoa Par. (LA)
Juvenile with gold flecking, which reduces with age, Harrison Co. (MS)
Adult male dispersing near fallen pine logs, south Mississippi
Representative of the northern regions of Mississippi, many of which have a greater number of small dorsal spots
Young individual found under a rotting log, Claiborne Co. (MS)
Individual found in a coastal bottomland hardwood forest, Jackson Co. (MS)