Species Reptiles & AmphibiansWestern Red-backed Salamander

Western Red-backed Salamander

Plethodon vehiculum

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Western Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon vehiculum)

The Western Red-backed Salamander is the Pacific Northwest counterpart to the Eastern Red-backed Salamander. Found under logs and rocks in moist forests. Entirely lungless and never needs to enter water.

Habitat
Moist coniferous forests and mixed woodlands of the Pacific Northwest
Diet
Invertebrates including insects, mites, and springtails
How common
Common

Best time to see a Western Red-backed Salamander

The best time to see a Western Red-backed Salamander is January–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,365 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Western Red-backed Salamander sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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