Southern Red-Backed Salamander

Scientific Name: Plethodon serratus
Photo Credit: Todd Pierson 

The southern red-backed salamander has two distinct color morphs: a striped form with a dark gray or brown base and a red or orange stripe down the back, and an unstriped form that is brown with varying amounts of red spotting. Both morphs have brown sides with white spotting and a salt-and-pepper flecked underside, sometimes showing bits of red pigment. This species is found in extreme southwestern North Carolina, mostly in forested areas with moderately moist soil, where it hides under logs, rocks, and leaf litter. It feeds on a wide range of invertebrates.

Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.