Western redback salamander
A species of Woodland salamanders Scientific name : Plethodon vehiculum Genus : Woodland salamanders
Western redback salamander, A species of Woodland salamanders
Scientific name: Plethodon vehiculum
Genus: Woodland salamanders
Content
Description General Info
Photo By aromatisse , used under CC0-1.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The western redback salamander (Plethodon vehiculum) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae, found in Canada and the United States. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and rocky areas. The animal has a colored stripe on its back which varies from red to yellow.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
The diet of western redback salamander primarily consists of small invertebrates. It is notably fond of ants, beetles and spiders, but will also consume other tiny arthropods when readily available.
Appearance
Western redback salamander is a small salamander, about 5 inches long, with a slender body and smooth, moist skin. Its dorsal (back) side exhibits chocolate brown coloration, whereas its ventral (underside) is lighter, often a cream or pale yellow shade. Distinctive features include costal grooves along the body sides and four toe pads on its hind feet. No considerable differences in appearance between ages, sexes, or subspecies have been noted.
Behavior
Western redback salamander engages in secretive, nocturnal activities, remaining hidden under logs or within foliage in the daytime. Renowned for its skin's slime secretion to deter predators, it also avoids dehydration this way. Primarily solitary, it will defend territory aggressively during mating season. It does not migrate or hibernate, adapting instead to the humidity of its Pacific Northwest habitat.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
Lungless salamanders Genus
Woodland salamanders Species
Western redback salamander 
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