Class Mascot Nominee: South Carolina Slimy Salamander (Plethodon variolatus)

Plethodon variolatus [South Carolina Slimy Salamander]

It is important that this class mascot of ours has traits that somehow symbolize or relate to what we do in class.  I nominate Plethodon variolatus- the South Carolina slimy salamander.

As a herpetology student, its often necessary to get a little dirty and exert a little more energy than your average history, business, etc. major might need to for their class.  For lab we all head out into the (usually) hot and sunny South Carolina forests and swamp lands.  Walking and wading our way through the low country terrain isn't always easy.  Climbing back into the van to head back to campus it is not uncommon for various articles of clothing to be drenched in sweat from a few hours turning over logs, pulling in traps and wandering through swamps to find that special little critter.  If your hands aren't dirty you're not doing it right and if you aren't a little sweaty- well, then you my friend are one genetically blessed individual.  One thing is certain:  Herpetology students returning from lab are almost always smelly and probably a little slimy...

This is why the South Carolina slimy salamander is a perfect class mascot.  Hailing from the family Plethodontidae, Plethodon variolatus is one of the 13 slimy salamanders (Plethodon glutinosus complex).  These large blackish-blue salamanders with silvery-white spots get their name from the slimy secretions they produce when threatened.  These secretions are sticky and hard to get off.  Basically, these salamanders are just like a herp student returning from lab with that hard to get off combo of dirt and sweat!