Pike County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs

 Northern Red Salamander

 Pseudotriton ruber

 The Red Salamander is a rarely seen member of Pike County's fauna.  They are typically found under rotten logs and rocks.  Adults range from four to seven inches in length.  Like so many other animals, their bright red color is a warning to predators that they are a rather foul meal.

Red Salamanders eat worms, grubs, insects, and even small salamanders.  When feeding, they can project their tongues outward to snatch their prey.

Like all amphibians, Red Salamanders start their life as an egg laid in the water, in this case, a free flowing stream is preferred.  After hatching they may live as long as four years as a tadpole.  After metamorphosis takes place, the Red Salamander may live as long as twenty years as an adult.

Unless you try eating one, Northern Red Salamanders are NOT poisonous and should not be killed.

PCFSC Home Page             Observing Nature Home Page