Identification
Closely related to the Redback Salamander, the Southern Redback Salamander has
a few color morphs. The striped version is dark brown with an orangish-red or
red stripe extending from the top of the head to the tip of the tail. Certain
populations, such as those in the Ouachita Mountains and Central Louisiana have
a serrated and uneven stripe, while it is straight-edged or weakly serrated
in other populations. Unstriped individuals are brown with some red spotting
on the belly, sides and back. Adults reach lengths of 8.1-10.5 cm (3.2-4.3 in)
and have 18-21 grooves along the sides of their body.
Distribution and Status
Four disjunct populations make up the range of the Southern Redback Salamander.
These include the mountains of west central Arkansas and adjacent Oklahoma,
central and southeast Missouri, central Lousiana, and northeast Georgia and
adjacent Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Missouri is the only Midwest
state that is home to this species.
Ecology
The Southern Redback Salamander can be found in forested areas, hiding beneath
rocks, moss, or rotten logs. In drier times, they may be near springs or other
bodies of water. Their favored prey are ants and beetles.
Threats and Management Issues
Forest management changes, such as converting hardwood forest to managed pine
forests, have depleted some populations. Old growth hardwood forests with moderate
hills and steeps provide prime habitat for this species.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Reference guides and websites specific to Amphibians.
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499