The Chattahoochee Slimy Salamander is a secretive, ground-dwelling amphibian that lives in the forests of the southeastern United States. True to its name, it produces a sticky, glue-like substance from its skin — a clever defense mechanism that makes it hard for predators to grab. While it may not win any beauty contests, this little salamander plays an important role in its ecosystem and has some fascinating traits if you take the time to look closer.
Size & Physical Appearance
Adult Chattahoochee Slimy Salamanders usually measure about 4 to 6 inches long from snout to tail. Their overall color is a deep black or dark brown, with scattered white, silver, or brassy flecks across their back and sides. These speckles can sometimes look like tiny stars on a night sky — giving them a bit of unexpected charm.
Males and females look similar. Juveniles are smaller and often have fewer spots. Over time, those lighter flecks become more noticeable as the salamanders mature.
Habitat and Range
This species is native to parts of the southeastern United States, especially along the Chattahoochee River watershed. You’ll most likely find them in northwestern Georgia and southeastern Alabama, often in moist, shaded forests with plenty of leaf litter, rotting logs, and rocks to hide under.
They prefer lower to mid-elevation hardwood forests, especially areas with rich soil and natural ground cover that stay damp throughout most of the year. Like many woodland salamanders, they need a habitat that stays humid and cool.
Diet
Chattahoochee Slimy Salamanders are insectivores. They feed mostly on a variety of small invertebrates, including:
- Ants
- Spiders
- Beetles
- Springtails
- Small worms and other soft-bodied insects
They hunt mostly at night, using their sticky tongues to snag prey from the forest floor and low vegetation. It’s amazing to watch if you ever get the chance — they’re silent, stealthy hunters.
Lifespan
In the wild, slimy salamanders like this one can live around 5 to 10 years, though detailed data on the Chattahoochee Slimy Salamander specifically is limited. In captivity (rare for this species), they might live longer if kept in stable, moist conditions.
Identification Tips
Because many slimy salamanders look similar, it can be tricky to tell the Chattahoochee Slimy apart from its relatives. Here are a few pointers:
- Size and color: Compared to other Plethodon species, the Chattahoochee is medium-sized with fairly prominent white to silver spots.
- Range: It’s only found in a small area of Georgia and Alabama. If you’re outside that narrow range, you’re probably looking at a different slimy salamander.
- No red coloration: Unlike some other species like the Red-backed Salamander, the Chattahoochee has no trace of red or orange striping.
If you encounter a black salamander with light speckles in the forest leaf litter and you’re in the southeastern region near the Chattahoochee River, there’s a good chance it’s this one.
Fun Fact
That sticky slime they produce is no joke — it’s so strong that it can actually glue a predator’s mouth shut for a short time! Scientists studying the slime have noted how difficult it is to remove once it dries. It’s one of the best natural defense systems you’ll find in a small forest creature.
Final Thoughts
The Chattahoochee Slimy Salamander may be small and elusive, but it plays a big role in its forest ecosystem by helping control insect populations and contributing to the food web. If you’re hiking through the woods in parts of Georgia or Alabama, keep an eye out under logs or rocks — just remember to put everything back as you found it and never handle them with dry hands. These little amphibians breathe through their skin, so they’re super sensitive to oils and chemicals.
They might not be flashy, but once you get to know them, these salamanders are full of surprises.