Description: The western slimy salamander is typically black in color with white speckling. On some specimens, the white speckling turns into large, white blotches along the sides of their bodies. They have large, bulbous eyes and long tails.
Habitat: Primarily nocturnal, it is commonly found under rocks, or other ground debris in moist, wooded areas. They are a shy species of salamander and are not normally found in areas where humans frequent. They live in areas of high humidity levels.
Range: This species is known from the central United States of America in southern Missouri, the highlands of northern and western Arkansas, the northern and central portions of eastern Oklahoma, and the Balcones Escarpment area of south-central Texas. Subpopulations from Independence, Johnson, Logan, Polk, Scott, and Van Buren counties in Arkansas, and Warren County in Missouri, north of the Missouri River, are also assigned to this species.
Diet: Western slimy salamanders are generalist feeders that eat a wide variety of small arthropods, including ants, beetles, flies, pill bugs, and worms. They are also known to eat slugs, snails, and millipedes.
Reproduction: Eggs are laid in damp protected locations. The species has no aquatic larval stage.
Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and remaining suitable habitat across its range.
Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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