Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)

The red to red-orange stripe running from the head to the tail of this salamander is distinctive. Their sides are dark, often with gray-blue spots. These small, thin salamanders are lung-less and breathe through their skin. Unlike most salamanders that spend at least part of their life in the water, Eastern red-backed salamanders are completely terrestrial.

Eastern red-backed salamander range in the U.S.

Eggs can be seen through the skin of this plump, gravid female.

Four-toed salamanders (top) can be easily distinguished from the similar appearing Eastern Red-backed Salamander (bottom) by looking at their bellies.