Western Redback Salamander

Where they live

• View a map of where they live.
• In Washington State are found west of the Cascades mountains
• Prefer to be under rotting logs or rocks near small streams or springs in damp mountain forests
• They are found up to 1,250 meters in elevation (higher elevation than any other species in this family) on rocky and steep mountain slopes.
• Can be found in drier locations when other species of salamanders are present. 

Breeding

• Breeding season is November to March.
• Eggs are most likely laid in underground burrows or under rocks or logs and protected by the female, although there have been a few circumstance when the male has been found protecting eggs.
• Females only lay eggs every other year.
• Eggs hatch into tiny salamanders, skipping the aquatic larval stage.

Cool Biology Facts

• The name vehiculum comes from the word ‘vehicle’ and is a reference to the fact that the male actually carries the female while she clings to his tail during courtship.
• They use chemical cues to choose mates during breeding.
• Western-red backed salamanders do not defend their territories.

Threats

• There are currently no major threats. View their status on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.