COMMON NAME

Slimy Salamander

LATIN NAME

Plethodon glutinosus

NATIVE TO

Canada and Eastern USA

ADULT SIZE

6-8in/15-20cm. Can live up to 20 years

EGGS OR YOUNG?

Lays 30-45 eggs hatching after 2-3 months

APPEARANCE

This is a medium sized salamander. The general body colour is a black or dark blue background with white or silver dots speckling the surface of the salamander. They have a very robust and round tail and will use this tail to suspend and wave their hind legs during courtship rituals.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Feed 2-3 times a week. They eat earthworms, crickets, waxworms, grasshoppers, moths, flies, spiders, beetles, spiders and snails. Do not leave a lot of uneaten live food to crawl over them as this will distress the salamander.

EASE OF CARE

Beginners upwards

TEMPERAMENT

They are relatively shy and will often remain hidden for long periods.They can be kept in small groups of 2-3 but are quite territorial so make sure you provide lots of hiding places and adequate food to minimize fighting. Avoid handling. The Slimy Salamander gets its name from the excretions it emits from its tail when it is handled roughly or feels threatened. Nocturnal

VIVARIUM SETUP

A vivarium 36x15x12in/90x38x30cm will easily house one or two. Salamanders drown easily so if you use an aquaterrarium instead, keep the water level low and provide a slope for them to climb out. Mist daily. Add some cork or a small rotting log to provide hiding places. They like moist, low-light conditions with a temperature of 15-23C/60-74F so heating is not normally required. If you use an aquaterrarium you will need a water filter.

SUBSTRATE

A mix of peat, sphagnum moss and leaves to a depth of 2-3 inches will provide a cool damp base.