Red-legged salamander
A species of Woodland salamanders Scientific name : Plethodon shermani Genus : Woodland salamanders
Red-legged salamander, A species of Woodland salamanders
Scientific name: Plethodon shermani
Genus: Woodland salamanders
Content
Description General Info
Photo By naturalist54 , used under ALL RIGHTS RESERVED /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The red-legged Salamander (Plethodon shermani) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. Formerly considered a subspecies of Jordan's Salamander (Plethodon jordani), it is native to the mountain forests of the southeastern United States.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Red-legged salamander primarily feeds on small invertebrates, particularly favoring forest floor dwellers like mites and springtails. Their keen ability to sniff out these minute organisms drives their targeted foraging behavior.
Appearance
Red-legged salamander is a small, stout-bodied salamander with smooth, moist skin. It primarily exhibits a deep black coloration with notable white or silver speckles spread across the body. The species lacks wings or horns, but possess a prominent tail. There are no distinct visual variations in appearance between different ages, genders, or subspecies.
Behavior
Red-legged salamander is a nocturnal amphibian with terrestrial habits, often hiding in moist environments during the day. It's a voracious predator, typically feeding on small invertebrates. Primarily solitary, red-legged salamander exhibits territorial behavior, especially males who fiercely defend their territories through aggressive displays. Its mating behaviour is unique, involving tactile stimuli, chemical cues, and courtship rituals.
Population
Stable
Photo By naturalist54 , used under ALL RIGHTS RESERVED /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
Lungless salamanders Genus
Woodland salamanders Species
Red-legged salamander