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Western Red-backed Salamander - Plethodon vehiculum

 

Classification

 Kingdom: Animalia
 Phylum: Chordata
 Class: Amphibia
 Order: Caudata  
 Family: Plethodontidae  
 Genus: Plethodon
ICUN Redlist - World Status: Least Concern Least Concern

Description

Western red-backed salamanderThe western red-backed salamander has dark sides and a red, yellow, green, or tan stripe down its back. It is 3-4 inches in length and has 16 coastal grooves (vertical grooves.)

Range

mapThe western red-backed salamander is found from British Columbia, Canada south to southern Oregon.

Habitat

The western red-backed salamander is found under rocks and fallen wood, along stream banks, and in shady forests.

Diet

Western red-backed salamander larvae eat snails, Pacific tree frogs, and red-legged frog tadpoles.

Life Cycle

The western red-backed salamander mates from November to December. The female lays a clutch of about 10 eggs from April to May. Unlike most salamanders, the western red-backed salamander larvae hatch fully formed as salamanders. The hatchlings appear in the fall. They mature in 2 1/2 years. Females lay eggs every other year.

Behavior

The western red-backed salamander lives and breeds entirely on land. It is nocturnal.