The Red Back Salamander is a species of small-sized salamander belonging to the genus Plethodon and found in eastern North America. It is characterized by a glossy black or dark brown body with a distinctive reddish-orange stripe running along its back, hence the name "Red Back Salamander."
These amphibians typically have a length ranging between 3 and 5 inches, with females being slightly larger than males. They have a slender, elongated body and a tail that comprises about half of their body length. Red Back Salamanders have four toes on their front limbs and five toes on their hind limbs, each with small, rounded tips that aid in gripping surfaces.
These salamanders are predominately terrestrial, spending their lives on the forest floor in moist, wooded areas. They inhabit a variety of habitats, such as deciduous forests, hardwood forests, and mixed coniferous forests. Red Back Salamanders are nocturnal, remaining hidden during the day to avoid predators and emerging at night to forage for small invertebrates like insects, spiders, worms, and millipedes.
Red Back Salamanders are a common and widespread species, usually found in damp leaf litter, fallen logs, and rocky crevices. They are secretive and camouflage well with their habitat, making them challenging to spot in the wild. These salamanders play a crucial role in maintaining forest health by controlling populations of small invertebrates and contributing to nutrient cycling through their foraging habits.
