Western redback salamander

Description:

The western redback salamander (Plethodon vehiculum) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae, found in Canada and the United States. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and rocky areas. The animal has a colored stripe on its back which varies from red to yellow.-Wikipedia

Habitat:

Found next to a stream in a wetland environment under a rotting log.

Notes:

Breeding season is November to March. Eggs are most likely laid in underground burrows or under rocks or logs and protected by the female, although there have been a few circumstance when the male has been found protecting eggs. Females only lay eggs every other year. Eggs hatch into tiny salamanders, skipping the aquatic larval stage.The name vehiculum comes from the word ‘vehicle’ and is a reference to the fact that the male actually carries the female while she clings to his tail during courtship. They use chemical cues to choose mates during breeding. Western-red backed salamanders do not defend their territories.-Burke museum