Description. This is a medium-sized salamander (up to
10 cm total length) that has an even-edged red or yellow stripe along the
back and dark sides.
Distribution. Western red-backed salamanders occur from
British Columbia southward to southern Oregon. In Washington, they occur
throughout the forests west of the cascades at low to mid elevations. Click
here to go to the Washington Gap Analysis distribution
map for this species; use the "back" button on your web browser to
come back to this page.
Habitat. These salamanders are common under rocks and fallen
wood along stream banks and in shady forests.
Cool Biology Facts. Western red-backed salamanders don't move around much. They have small home-ranges of only a few square meters, but do not appear to defend territory from other individuals.
Conservation status. These salamanders are moderately common
throughout western Washington and appear not to need special conservation
measures at this time.
Photograph by Brad Moon.
