Presence of Modified Serous Glands in the Caudal Integument of the Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)

Terrestrial salamanders of the genus Plethodon live in a world dominated by chemical-mediated senses. Little is known, however, about the histochemistry of the integumentary glands that produce chemicals used for communication and predator defense. We used histochemical staining techniques to identify the caudal integumentary glands in both male and female Plethodon cinereus. Our research suggests that there are three types of caudal integumentary glands, including nongranular mucous glands, and two types of granular serous glands. The two serous glands are histochemically and morphologically distinct, are concentrated in different areas around the tail's circumference, and are believed to have different function.