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Colorations of the Eastern Red-backed Salamander

The Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) is the most abundant salamander species in northeastern forests of North America. Eight phenotypes are currently known: the red-backed (striped), lead-backed (unstriped), and erythristic morphs, as well as the iridistic, albino, leucistic, amelanistic, and melanistic colour anomalies. The various colorations of the Eastern Red-backed Salamander are presented on this site in order to stimulate interest among naturalists who observe this species from time to time.

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Acknowledgements

Contributors: Carl D. Anthony (John Carroll University), Philippe Beaupré (MFFP), Lyne Bouthillier (MFFP), Zacheriah T. Cota-Weaver, Jeffrey G. Davis (Cincinnati Museum Center), Patrick Galois (Amphibia-Nature), Claudine Genest (Amphibia-Nature), John Gilhen (Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History), Sean M. Hartzell (Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania), Daniel J. Hocking (University of New Hampshire), Shannon Lynn, Ronald Merrick, Jean-David Moore (Forêt Québec), Martin Ouellet (Amphibia-Nature), Taylor Parham, Dalton Ramsey, Rebecca Smith, Don E. Swann, Rick Van de Poll (Ecosystem Management Consultants of New England), Lori A. Williams (North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission).