The Western Slimy Salamanders was once considered as a subspecies of the Northern Slimy Salamander. They have a black, sluggish body with random white dots all over, and are spread in two separate populations in the US.

Scientific Name – Plethodonalbagula

Classification – Plethodon

Gender Names – Male – boar; Female – sow; Baby – eft

Collective Noun – Herd, congress

Length/Size – Around 17 cm

Life Expectancy – Approx. 12-15 years

Mating Season – Spring to early summer

Special Features – Males have a large gland under the chin used to stimulate the females

Social Structure – Leads solitary life except during mating

Geographical Distribution – One population is found from Missouri to Oklahoma and Arkansas while the other is in south-central Texas

Natural Habitat – Cool, damp cavities, logs and forest areas

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Diet – Small insects, ants and other arthropods

Predators – Larger salamanders