The Savannah Slimy Salamander is one of those secretive creatures you’re not likely to stumble upon unless you’re really looking — but when you do, it’s a treat. This glossy, dark-bodied salamander is part of the so-called “slimy” salamander complex, a group known as much for their appearance as their chemistry. Like others in its group, it secretes a sticky mucous as a defense mechanism — and trust us, it lives up to the name. Native to parts of the Southeastern U.S., this amphibian is a great example of life in the leaf litter.
Size & Physical Appearance
Savannah Slimy Salamanders are medium-sized among terrestrial salamanders. Adults generally measure between 4 and 6 inches long, including the tail.
Their bodies are typically a dark black or bluish-black, often with irregular silver or white spotting across the back and sides. These spots can vary in size and number — some individuals are heavily speckled, while others might look almost solid dark. The belly tends to be a lighter gray.
There’s not much visual difference between males and females unless you’re looking under a microscope (and most people are not). Juveniles usually have brighter, more distinct spots than adults.
Habitat and Range
This salamander is found in the Coastal Plain of Georgia and South Carolina, particularly in the Savannah River drainage area — which is where it gets its name. It’s a fairly localized species and doesn’t occur across a large range like some of its relatives.
It prefers moist hardwood forests and often hides under logs, rocks, or deep leaf litter. You’re most likely to encounter one in shady, undisturbed forests with plenty of ground cover. Because they’re lungless, they rely on moist environments to breathe through their skin.
They generally stay at lower elevations and are strongly tied to their home range. These salamanders are extremely territorial and often return to the same hiding spot night after night.
Diet
Like many woodland salamanders, the Savannah Slimy Salamander is a nocturnal insectivore</strong. Its diet includes:
- Ants
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Small worms
- Mites and other tiny invertebrates
They hunt at night using their keen sense of smell and rely on stealth rather than speed. You’ll rarely see them eat, but they’re busy foragers when the conditions are right.
Lifespan
In the wild, these salamanders can live up to 10 years, though 4 to 6 years is more typical. In captivity, with proper care and ideal conditions, they have been known to reach around the same age, but captive data is limited because they’re not commonly kept as pets.
Identification Tips
This species can be tricky to identify because it looks a lot like its relatives, especially other members of the Plethodon glutinosus complex (aka slimy salamanders). To narrow it down:
- Location is key — if you’re in coastal Georgia or South Carolina, there’s a good chance it’s the Savannah Slimy.
- Look for scattered silvery-white flecks on a dark body. Some individuals appear almost patternless, so spotting alone isn’t foolproof.
- Compared to the Northern Slimy Salamander or the Southern Slimy Salamander, the Savannah Slimy tends to have fewer and smaller spots, sometimes appearing only on the sides.
- If you’re unsure, photographing the salamander and noting the precise location can help with expert identification later.
Fun Fact
When threatened, the Savannah Slimy Salamander produces a thick, sticky mucous from its skin that’s hard to wash off — and very unpleasant for predators trying to get a bite. Some snakes have even been found stuck to logs after attempting a slimy meal. Nature’s glue at work!
Got a salamander story or photo from the woods of Georgia or South Carolina? Share it — amphibian fans love a good field find!