An introduction to the species...
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The eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) belongs to the largest genus of salamanders in the United States, the woodland salamanders. P. cinereus is often recognizable by the red stripe that runs along the dorsal side of the salamander and the "salt and pepper" ventral side. However, other morphs such as the lead-back morph (no red stripe) and the erythristic morph (completely red body) exist. These salamanders are primarily found in the eastern United States and Canada. They inhabit forested regions and are active with high humidity and moderate temperatures. P. cinereus can be observed on the surface, especially under cover objects such as logs and rocks, but larger portions of the population are found underground. They have one of the longest periods of surface activity of any terrestrial salamander in the northeastern United States, with activity beginning as early as the end of January and extending to the beginning of December. Red-backed salamanders primarily feed on terrestrial soil invertebrates including acarian (mites), collembolan (springtails), coleopteran (beetles) and araneae (spiders). They are highly territorial and will defend their territory against others of their species for exclusive access to resources and shelter (Hulse et al. 2001).
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References
- Hulse, A. C., C. J. McCoy and E. J. Censky. 2001. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. Cornell University, Ithaca.