Red-backed Salamander

Description:

This curious little fella seemed to be taking advantage of the unusual 50 degree F temperatures(10 degrees C). It was resting on a log that was covered in snow, and was very slow moving. Even with the warmer temperatures, I thought it strange that this salamander was out of hibernation. It had a black body with a red stripe down the middle of its back. This salamander was about 6cm long.

Habitat:

Spotted on a rotting log in a mixed forest.

Notes:

The red-backed salamander exhibits color polymorphism with two common color variations - the 'red-backed' variety has a red dorsal stripe that tapers towards the tail and the 'lead-backed' variety lacks most or all of the red pigmentation. The red-backed phase is not always red, but may actually be various other colors (yellow-backed, orange-backed, or white-backed)