Eastern Red-backed Salamander
Plethodon cinereus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAmphibia · Caudata · Plethodontidae
About
The red-backed salamander is a small, hardy woodland salamander species in the family Plethodontidae. It is also known as the redback salamander, eastern red-backed salamander, or the northern red-backed salamander to distinguish it from the southern red-backed salamander. The species inhabits wooded slopes in eastern North America, west to Missouri, south to North Carolina, and north from southern Quebec and the Maritime provinces in Canada to Minnesota. It is one of 56 species in the genus Plethodon. Red-backed salamanders are notable for their color polymorphism and primarily display two color morph varieties, which differ in physiology and anti-predator behavior.
Fun Fact
In the fall, the striped salamanders eat more entomobryomorph Collembola, the largest species of elongated springtails, as opposed to in the spring when they eat more oribatid mites.
Quick Facts
Habitat
To be updated
Diet
Prey on a wide assortment of other small invertebrates including isopods, millipedes, centipedes, pseudoscorpions, harvestmen, spiders, and gastropods.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance