The western red-backed salamander has dark sides and a red, yellow, green, or tan stripe down its back. It is 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) in length and has 16 coastal grooves (vertical grooves.)
The western red-backed salamander is found under rocks and fallen wood, along stream banks, and in shady forests.
Western red-backed salamander larvae eat snails, Pacific treefrogs, and red-legged frog tadpoles.
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 2.5 years. Females lay eggs every other year.
The western red-backed salamander lives and breeds entirely on land. It is nocturnal.
Support for NatureWorks Redesign is provided by:
The western red-backed salamander is found from British Columbia, Canada south to southern Oregon.
NHPBS inspires one million Granite Staters each month with engaging and trusted local and national programs on-air, online, in classrooms and in communities.
