Eastern Red-backed Salamander
Plethodon cinereus
![pletcine.jpeg](https://widnr.widen.net/content/dabysbobow/jpeg/pletcine.jpeg?position=c&color=cccccc&quality=80&u=pzjkuc)
Family: Plethodontidae (Lungless salamanders)
Status: Common
Size: 3 to 4 inches
Eastern red-backed salamanders are the most abundant salamander within their range and can be readily distinguished by the dorsal stripe that is normally brick-red in color, although the stripe may sometimes be a dull brown. An occasional individual may appear unstriped. The sides and bottom of its very slender body are brown to gray and heavily flecked with white.
![redback-map.jpeg](https://widnr.widen.net/content/hwkm7q8oj7/jpeg/redback-map.jpeg?position=c&color=cccccc&quality=80&u=pzjkuc)
The hind feet have five toes. Redbacks live in woodlands with moist soils and undisturbed ground cover. They are commonly found in or under moist downed logs. Eastern red-backed salamanders, because of their high densities, are an extremely important component of Wisconsin's northern forest ecosystems. They subsist on arthropods, snails and annelids.