Red Salamander
Pseudotriton ruber

The red salamander is far more common in our region than its close relative, the mud salamander. It is also usually larger, growing for up to two and a half years before undergoing metamorphosis at a greater size (more than 2 inches, snout to vent). Adults are superficially similar to P. montanus, but can be distinguished based on their black spots, which are larger and more numerous, often running into each other. Also, the iris of P. ruber is yellow or gold, whereas the iris on P. montanus is brown. Red salamanders are found throughout the Southeast at sites with running water. The larvae are often collected in relatively rapid running streams, and adults are not infrequent at some sites with sluggish (if any) stream flow and dense muddy substrate. Adults are most frequently found beneath large cover objects such as logs and the like in areas that are relatively undisturbed. The skin of P. ruber (and P. montanus) contains a toxin, called pseudotritotoxin that helps deter predators from attacking this otherwise gentle animal.