PLETHODON glutinosus occurs throughout most of eastern United States. Although not uncommon in most of its range, little is known about its life history. Humphrey (1925) studied the testes of this and other species of salamanders in New York and correlated the condition of these organs with the breeding season. Burger (1937) also studied the testes of plethodontid salamanders in the northeastern United States and made further contributions to the knowledge of seasonal cycles in male Plethodon glutinosus. Bishop (1927) speculated on the life history of this species in western New York. Noble and Marshall (1929) discovered two clutches of eggs in caves in Arkansas and described the eggs and embryos. Fowler (1940) found a female guarding a clutch of eggs in West Virginia, and Bishop (1941) added a few notes on development to maturity. Pope and Pope (1949) studied growth and reproduction in southwestern Virginia, and Pope (1950) recorded a courtship dance in the same region. To my knowledge there have been no studies on the life history of the slimy salamander in the southeastern coastal plain. The purpose of the present study was to obtain detailed information on the life history of Plethodon glutinosus in Florida. Part of the present work was presented to the Graduate Council of the University of Florida in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Richard Highton (1956) studied this question.