Kiamichi Slimy Salamander
Plethodon kiamichi
A somewhat thick-bodied salamander with moderately thick legs and a flattened head. It has a rounded tail that's the same length as the body, which averages 5-7.5 cm from…
How to identify
A somewhat thick-bodied salamander with moderately thick legs and a flattened head. It has a rounded tail that's the same length as the body, which averages 5-7.5 cm from snout to vent. Its skin is dark grey to black with white spots that are most prevalent on the sides of the body. Ventrum is dark with few white spots, and the throat is pale.
Range
A small range on the east central border of Oklahoma, and slightly into adjacent areas of Arkansas.
Habitat
Inhabits moist woodlands and ravines at higher elevations, often hiding under rocks and logs.
Variations
Slight variation in darkness of background coloration, as well as density of white spots.
Similar species
Could be mistaken for various other *Plethodon* salamanders that have black skin with white spots, including the western slimy salamander (*Plethodon albagula*) and Sequoyah slimy salamander (*Plethodon sequoyah*) which may be found nearby.
Name and etymology
Genus
Plethodon
Greek for full of (plethore) teeth (odon).
Origin
Sources
- Tschudi, "1838" 1839. reprinted in Classif. Batr., Mem. Soc. Sci. Nat. Neuchatel, p. 92 ↗
Plethodon. Tschudi, "1838" 1839 - reprinted in Classif. Batr., Mem. Soc. Sci. Nat. Neuchatel, p. 92
Species epithet
kiamichi
Belonging to the kiamichi Mountains, Oklahoma.
Origin
Sources
- Highton, 1989.
Plethodon sequoyah. Highton, 1989 -
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
A small range on the east central border of Oklahoma, and slightly into adjacent areas of Arkansas.
Habitat
Inhabits moist woodlands and ravines at higher elevations, often hiding under rocks and logs.
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap