Western Red-backed Salamander - Plethodon vehiculum

Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Caudata
Family: Plethodontidae
Genus: Plethodon

Description

The western red-backed salamander has dark sides and a red, yellow. green or tan stripe down its back. It is three to four inches in length and has 16 coastal grooves (vertical grooves.)

Range

The 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.