Eastern Red-backed Salamander
Plethodon cinereus — Plethodontidae
2.25–4 inches
How to identify
- Small, slender, 2.25–4 inches
- Red-backed morph: broad brick-red or orange-red stripe down the back with straight-edged sides
- Lead-backed morph: uniformly dark gray with no stripe — same species
- Salt-and-pepper pattern on belly — black and white flecking
- No spots or other markings
About this species
The eastern red-backed salamander is Virginia's most abundant salamander and likely the most abundant terrestrial vertebrate in many of its forests by sheer biomass. Entirely terrestrial and lungless — they breathe through their moist skin — they are found under nearly every log and flat rock in suitable forest habitat. They come in two color morphs: the red-backed morph with a brick-red stripe, and the lead-backed morph which is entirely dark gray.
Often confused with
Did you know
"Eastern red-backed salamanders are lungless — they breathe entirely through their skin and the lining of their mouth. This means they must stay moist at all times and are highly sensitive to drought and pollution."
Sightings & citizen science
Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.
View Eastern Red-backed Salamander observations on iNaturalist ↗If you've found an injured or displaced Eastern Red-backed Salamander in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.