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Description: A fairly large: 7 - 17 cm (4.75-6.75 in),
black salamander with numerous white/silver flecks and a slightly
lighter venter and 16 costal grooves. This species is best distinguished
from other Slimy Salamanders (Plethodon glutinosis complex)
by range. Females are slightly larger than males. Like other Slimy
salamanders, P. teyahlee produces slimy, glue-like secretions
when it feels threatened.
Range and Habitat: Plethodon teyahalee is found
in mountainous regions of North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Tennessee. They are found in almost any moist forested habitat.
Habits: By day, they are found under rocks, moist decaying
logs and in crevices along stream beds, but they become active
at night, searching leaf litter for small insects. Male Plethodon
teyahalee perform an elaborate courtship dance and females
guard their clutch if eggs fiercely and may abandon their eggs
if they appear to have been tampered with. Young salamander hatch
directly from eggs and have no aquatic larval stage.
Conservation Status: The Plethodon glutinosis complex
(of which Plethodon teyahalee is a member) is common. However,
the conservation status of Plethodon teyahalee specifically
is uncertain.
Account Author: Alicia Hudson, University of Georgia -
edited by J.D. Willson
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