Discover Maryland's Herps

Field Guide to Maryland's Salamanders and Newts
(Order Caudata)

Northern Red Salamander
(Pseudotriton ruber ruber)

Adult photo of Northern red Salamander courtesy of John White
Adult Photo of Northern Red Salamander courtesy of John White

Size

  • 4¼ - 6 in. 

  • Record - 7⅛ in.

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    Appearance

  • Similar in appearance to northern spring and eastern mud salamanders.

  • Red, orange, or salmon colored with dark spots on the back.

  • Eyes are yellow or gold compared to brown eyes of eastern mud salamander.

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    Habitat photo of Northern Red Salamander courtesy of Rebecca Chalmers
    Habitat Photo for Northern Red Salamander courtesy of Rebecca Chalmers

    Habitats

  • In and along streams, often burrowing in soft sediments.

  • May congregate in springs and streams in late fall.

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    Maryland Distribution Map
    Maryland Distribution Map of Northern Red Salamander

    Return to Field Guide to Maryland Salamanders

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    Maryland Amphibian
    and Reptile Atlas Project

    "A Joint Project of the Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources"

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    The Maryland Herpetology Field Guide is a cooperative effort of the MD Natural Heritage Program and the MD Biological Stream Survey within the Department of Natural Resources and their partners. We wish to thank all who contributed field records, text, and photographs, as well as support throughout its development.