Red Back Salamander
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| Red Back Salamander | ||||||||||||||
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| Plethodon cinereus (Green, 1818) |
The Red Back (or Backed) Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) is a small, hardy woodland salamander. It inhabits wooded slopes in Eastern North America; west to Missouri; south to North Carolina; and north from southern Quebec and the Maritime Provinces in Canada to Minnesota. It is also known as the Northern Redback Salamander to distinguish it from the Southern Redback Salamander (P. serratus). The red-backed salamander is found mostly in two color variations: the nominate red variety, 'redback', as well as a darker phase known as the 'leadback' which lacks most or all of the red pigmentation found in the red phase[1]. However, one can also find a variety of other color variations (e.g., stripe of yellow, orange, white, or an uncommon erythristic morph, which is completely reddish-orange.).
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[edit] Reproduction and biomass
Males and females typically establish separate feeding and/or mating territories underneath rocks and logs. However, some red-backed salamanders are thought to engage in social monogamy, and may maintain co-defended territories throughout their active period. Breeding occurs in June and July. Females produce from 4 to 17 eggs in a year. The eggs will hatch in 6 to 8 weeks. Not much is known about the dispersal of neonates, although it is thought that neonates and juveniles are philopatric (i.e., stay near their place of hatching for up to 2 years). The huge biomass of this species in the Northeastern United States is able to make such a contribution to the biodome by consuming an equally large number of invertebrates and other detritus dwellers which quicken the decomposition of leaf-litter and fallen logs, which release great quantities of Carbon Dioxide [Co2].
[edit] Captivity
Red Back Salamanders are very popular pets because of their hardiness. Cages don't need to be exceptionally large, and a common sweater box may be used with small holes poked on the sides. This can be done by using a hot pin. The enclosure must have a secure lid, for Red Back Salamanders are able to climb on smooth surfaces. They require driftwood and some sort of ground cover (Leaf litter, twigs, etc.) in them to keep the salamander feeling secure. Any item you find outside that will be inside the enclosure must be boiled first to make sure it is free of disease and parasites. They will enter water, but also by keeping soil moist is important too. Ideal temperature for them would be 58 °F to 65 °F, but if it gets over 75 °F the Salamander will either die, or burrow very deeply. Staple diets would be pinhead crickets, chopped earthworms, or smaller mealworms[2].They will also eat pellets that you can find at a pet store.
[edit] References
- Hammerson (2004). Plethodon cinereus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern.
[edit] External links
Information related to Plethodon cinereus from Wikispecies.- Plethodon cinereus
- Parental Care in Plethodon cinereus
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