Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2431510
Southern Red-backed Salamander
Plethodon serratusAlso known as Georgia Red-Backed Salamander, Ouachita Red-Backed Salamander
Southern red-backed salamanders inhabit damp hardwood forests across four isolated regions of the southeastern and central United States. These small, lungless amphibians breathe entirely through their thin, moist skin and spend daylight hours hidden beneath leaf litter, decaying logs, and flat stones. On cool, humid nights, they emerge to stalk small invertebrates along the damp forest floor.
AmphibianNocturnalForest Dweller
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mites
- Springtails
- Ants
Predators
- Garter snakes
- Woodland birds
- Shrews
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, climate change
HabitatsMoist hardwood forests, rocky slopes, leaf litter
Life span5–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPlethodontidae
- SpeciesPlethodon serratus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Search cover objects: Carefully roll rotting logs and flat rocks on cool, damp mornings.
- Avoid direct handling: Skin contact transfers harmful salts, lotions, and soaps to the amphibian.
- Replace natural cover: Always return logs and stones gently to their exact original position.
Close Relative Alex Karasoulos / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) James Weaver, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.