ExploreAmphibians

Western Red-backed Salamander

Plethodon vehiculum

The Western Red-backed Salamander is a small, colorful creature that loves to hide under rocks and logs. They are great at blending in with their surroundings and are often found in moist forests.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Western Red-backed Salamander is a slender amphibian with a prominent red, orange, or yellow stripe running down its back from head to tail. Its sides are typically dark brown or black, sharply contrasting with the dorsal stripe. The belly is usually mottled light and dark, giving it a camouflaged appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusPlethodon
Western Red-backed Salamander
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Western Red-backed Salamander

Category

Amphibians

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

2

Interesting facts

Female Western Red-backed Salamanders often guard their eggs until they hatch into tiny salamanderlets!

These salamanders lay their eggs on land, not in water, unlike most amphibians!

They are excellent pest controllers for tiny forest bugs, keeping insect populations balanced!

They can live for over 10 years in the wild, which is a very long time for a small salamander!

Special abilities

Ability

Tail Drop Escape

Western Red-backed Salamander has a special tail that it can drop off if a predator grabs it, helping them escape to safety.

Ability

Forest Floor Camo

Western Red-backed Salamander can hide from hungry predators by blending perfectly with leaves and soil, because its colors match the forest floor.

Ability

Scenty Messages

Western Red-backed Salamander can leave special scent messages for other salamanders, helping them claim territory.

Measurements & details

Length
4-12 cm
Weight
0.001-0.005 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
0.2 km/h
Clutch Size
3-17

Diet & Feeding

They munch on tiny insects and other small invertebrates they find on the forest floor.

Primary Foods

  • springtails
  • mites
  • small slugs
  • worms
  • insect larvae
  • isopods

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

A common predator in its forest habitat.

eaten by

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

Birds may prey on salamanders found on the forest floor.

eaten by

Masked Shrew

Sorex cinereus

Small mammals are known predators of salamanders.

hunts

Black Slug

Arion ater

Salamanders feed on small invertebrates like slugs.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look, but don't touch! Some salamanders can be sensitive to our skin oils.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Western Red-backed Salamander?

The easiest way to identify Western Red-backed Salamander is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Western Red-backed Salamander?

4-12 cm

How much does Western Red-backed Salamander weigh?

0.001-0.005 kg

How long does Western Red-backed Salamander live?

5-10 years

How fast can Western Red-backed Salamander move?

0.2 km/h

What does Western Red-backed Salamander eat?

They munch on tiny insects and other small invertebrates they find on the forest floor.

Where is Western Red-backed Salamander usually found?

Forests

How does Western Red-backed Salamander hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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