Northern Redback Salamander
(Plethodon c. cinereus)
Photo Courtesy of Aaron Greene
The Northern Redback Salamander is 2.5 - 5 inches in length and tends to have a long and slender body. They have a dark colored body with light belly mottled with black and a broad stripe running from the head to tail. The stripe is usually reddish in color with a dark border but can also be yellow, orange, pink or gray.
Mating occurs from October to April. In June or July an egg mass of 6 - 12 eggs is usually laid in debris. The female will lay near and care for the eggs for two months. Females generally lay eggs every other year.
This salamander is completely terrestrial and is one of the most common species encountered in the field. This nocturnal species spends its days hiding in debris or under rocks and logs. At night it can be found hunting in leaf litter for small invertebrates.