The red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) is a small terrestrial salamander, 5.7 - 12.7 cm (2.25 - 5 in), found in cool moist coniferous, mixed, and deciduous forests.  There are two phases of this salamander.  The red-backed phase have a broad reddish, orange stripe along the back that extends at least half way down the tail bordered by dark gray or black that extends down onto the sides of the body.  The underside is mottled with varying degrees of black and white producing a salt and pepper pattern.  The lead-backed phase is similar in appearance but lacks the reddish, orange stripe on the dorsal surface.  Mating occurs throughout the fall into the early spring.  About   6 - 14 eggs are laid in May or June under rocks and in and under logs, sometimes deep in the ground.  Females guard their eggs until they hatch into terrestrial young two months later in August or September.

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