Description:
 Typically 5.7 to 12.7 cm in length, the red-backed salamander is distinguished from other salamanders by suck physical characteristics as the "redback" color phase in which a red stripe runs down the salamander's black body, a mottled gray and white "salt and pepper" pattern on its belly, 16-19 coastal grooves, and five toes on its hind feet. Red-backed salamanders feed on many invertebrates including mites, spiders, insects, centipede, millipede, beetle, snails, ants, earthworms, flies, and larvae. They sort through leaf litter on the ground during the day, and climb trees and plants at night to find prey. Because these salamanders are lungless, they rely on their skin for respiration and must live in moist soil (Howard).
Geographic Range:
 In Eastern North America, its range lies within the boundaries of Missouri in the west, North Carolina in the south, and southern Quebec in the north (Howard).
Habitat Requirements:
 Red-backed salamanders live in deciduous forests throughout their geographic range. They are terrestrial amphibians and are usually found in leaf litter on the ground, beneath rocks or logs, or in small burrows except for at night when they can be found in plants and trees in search of invertebrates to feed on. They also require a fairly wet habitat as they lack lungs and rely on moist skin for respiration (Howard).
Distribution on the Preserve:
 The population of red-backed salamanders was uniformly distributed on the field station property, such that location on the property did not significantly affect the number of species observed in that area.
Status on the Preserve:
 Based on our census, the population of red-backed salamanders is approximately 873.53 on the field station property. The population was uniformly distributed on the property. The population seems to be regenerating itself as a significant number of individuals were found in a relatively small census area and both small and large individuals were observed, suggesting that the population will continue to thrive on the property into the future.
Literature Cited:

Howard, C. March 27, 2001. "Plethodon cinerus."      http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/plethodon/p._cinereus$narrative.html

       Plethodon cinereus

          Red-Backed Salamander