Why are salamanders slimy

Commonly Confused Species: Leadback phase of the redback salamander; dusky salamander; Jefferson salamander. Habitat: Terrestrial, found on moist woodland hillsides, floodplains, or ravines under logs, leaf litter, stones, or in rock crevices. Life History: Ten to 20 eggs are attached to the roof of an underground cavity or in rock crevices or rotting logs. Hibernates underground. Distribution map: View a map showing the towns where this species is reported to occur in NH. Slimy salamanders are sprinkled with small white flecks on their back and sides.

During the breeding season male adult Slimy Salamanders, unlike females, have a large mental gland on the chin, which they use to stimulate the female. They breed annually, depositing about eggs under logs or dirt in the summer or early fall. These eggs will usually hatch around October and young do not have an aquatic larval stage. They mature in about 3 years. Conservation Status: Slimy Salamanders are common throughout their range and are not protected in our region or Federally. Pertinent References: Petranka, James W.

Salamanders of the United States and Canada. Merrill, W. Moretz, J. Roberts, E. Reott, J. Willson, A. Pickens, W. Guthrie, A. Young, Y. Kornilev, W. Anderson, G. Connette, E. Eskew, E. Teague, M.