Eastern Red-backed Salamander in Michigan by Lee Rentz

Nick Scobel’s Herping Michigan blog is my go-to resource for information about newts & salamanders found in the Great Lakes State. His excellent article about Michigan’s amphibians says that the Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) includes some great photos of male & female salamanders explains:

This colorful species is by far the most common species of salamander which inhabits Michigan. It is easily characterized by the red stripe which runs down its dorsum. However, this species comes in both a “redback” and “leadback” color phase.

The reason that this species is so common statewide is because of its general habitat preference. Redbacks are almost always associated with deciduous forests which may include northern hardwoods, oak-hickory, or beech-maple forests and can be found in either uplands or lowlands. They are often found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and other sorts of debris on the forest floor.

Lee Rentz is a photographer & writer who recently caught a glimpse of this little critter at the Emily Min Hunt Nature Preserve in Presque Isle County. More great pics & writing in the Lee Rentz Photography Journal. and you can view & purchase his work on his website. You can also see other fascinating photos from Lee on Michigan in Pictures including one of glowing flying squirrels that definitely are a real thing in Michigan!!