Red Salamander

Pseudotriton ruber (State Status: S3; vulnerable)

Description

Red Salamanders are large, often thick-bodied stream-dwelling amphibians found throughout central and coastal Mississippi, as well as in the northeast. Disjunct populations exist in northeast Mississippi as well (Powell et al., 2016). They are reddish or orange with many irregularly shaped black spots. P. r. ruber is found only in northeast Mississippi, and is brighter in color with bolder spotting (see below photo). P. r. vioscai can be found in coastal and southern parts of the state and is duller in color, often with a darker head.

Adult Southern Red Salamander, Washington Par. (LA)

Identifying Traits

  • Large red or orange body
  • Thick coverage of irregularly shaped black dots (separates from mud salamander).
  • Narrower head than P. montanus

Subspecies present:

  • Northern Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber ruber)
  • Southern Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber vioscai)

Habitat

Wooded drainages or clean-water streams, sometimes found away from water

Range

Behavior

Generally utilizes natural structures like rocks and logs for shelter

Diet

Various small invertebrates

Larval Red Salamander, Washington Par. (LA)
Adult male, Washington Par. (LA)
Southern Red Salamander, similar looking to those found in Mississippi, Santa Rosa Co. (FL)
Female Red Salamander from Louisiana, note charcoal-colored snout typical of the southern varieties, Washington Par. (LA)
Closeup of the head of a larva, Washington Par. (LA)