The Louisiana Slimy Salamander is a secretive little creature that’s easy to overlook — unless you know where (and when) to look. True to its name, it’s notably slimy, which actually helps protect it from predators. This species is part of the lungless salamander family, meaning it breathes entirely through its skin and mouth lining. It’s mostly active at night and spends much of its life hiding under logs, rocks, and leaf litter in the forests of Louisiana.
Size & Physical Appearance
Louisiana Slimy Salamanders are medium-sized for a woodland salamander, typically ranging from 4 to 6 inches in total length.
Their overall color is black with a sprinkling of small white, silver, or brassy spots scattered over their body, and sometimes these spots are more concentrated along the sides. The belly tends to be grayish or dark. They have a fairly stocky build, with a rounded tail and a broad head.
There’s not much visual difference between males and females, and juveniles look pretty similar to adults but may have fewer spots.
Habitat and Range
This species is endemic to Louisiana, meaning it’s found nowhere else in the world. Specifically, it occurs in the west-central part of the state, mainly within the Kisatchie National Forest — which is what it’s named after.
Louisiana Slimy Salamanders prefer moist hardwood or mixed forests with plenty of leaf litter, logs, and rocks for cover. They need cool, damp conditions to survive since they rely on their skin for breathing. Most often, you’ll find them in lowland woods, but they may venture into slightly higher elevations if the forest offers enough cover and humidity.
Diet
In the wild, they eat a variety of small invertebrates, including:
- Earthworms
- Insects (beetles, ants, flies)
- Spiders and mites
- Tiny snails and slugs
They’re nocturnal hunters, coming out at night to patrol the forest floor for prey. Their hunting style is patient and stealthy.
Lifespan
In the wild, these salamanders can live up to 10 years, though many probably don’t make it that long due to predation and environmental factors.
In captivity, slimy salamanders have been known to live over 10 years with good care, though this species isn’t commonly kept as a pet due to its specific habitat needs and secretive lifestyle.
Identification Tips
The Louisiana Slimy Salamander can be tricky to tell apart from other slimy salamanders in the Plethodon glutinosus complex, but here’s what can help:
- Location matters. If you’re in central or western Louisiana, especially in or near Kisatchie National Forest, there’s a good chance it’s this species.
- Spotting pattern. The spots tend to be heavier on the sides and less dense along the back compared to some other species.
- No red or yellow coloring. It lacks bright colors that some lookalikes (like the Red-backed Salamander) display.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to take a clear photo and compare with verified records or reach out to a herpetologist involved in local biodiversity surveys.
Fun Fact
When threatened, the Louisiana Slimy Salamander produces a sticky, glue-like mucus from its skin. It’s so adhesive that predators like snakes often find themselves stuck — giving the salamander time to escape. The slime has even been studied for its unique chemical properties.
In Summary…
The Louisiana Slimy Salamander is a fascinating example of a highly specialized amphibian that many locals never even see. Its limited range and secretive nature make it a hidden gem of Louisiana’s forests. If you’re lucky enough to spot one on a damp night hike, consider it a rare and rewarding encounter — and be sure to admire it without handling, since their delicate skin plays such a big role in their survival.