Habits of Northern Red Salamanders

The Northern Red Salamander, also distinguished by its scientific name Pseudotriton ruber ruber, is found in the Eastern half of Ohio, but smaller colonies exist around Cincinnati. The salamander is distinguished by a stout red body and yellowish bright eyes. As they age they become less brightly colored, and are more of a purplish color. They are usually four to five inches in length. They are capable of living for over 20 years.

  1. Habitat

    • Preferring to live in a combination of aquatic and terrestrial environments, the Northern Red Salamander switches between environments during different seasons. In the winter months, they spend most of the time in water environments, like cool streams and brooks. They choose these areas during the winter months because it is easier to forage for food and find warm areas to dorm. For the summer months they live in wooded areas, such as fallen trees, logs, under bark and rock, typically preferring moist humid areas, which provide rich areas to feed. Most live solitary lives until breeding season.

    Feeding Habits

    • The Northern Red Salamander tends to feed on other smaller insects and amphibians within its habitat. Some of its dietary choices are earthworms, other salamanders, small frogs and centipedes. They typically hunt for their food alone. When feeding, they are distinguished by a special physical adaptation, in the form of a projectile tongue, which is capable of extending and retracting to catch prey in 11 milliseconds. They also lunge forward whenever the tongue is deployed. Their main feeding times are during the night and directly after rainfalls, when insects become immobilized and easier prey.

    Breeding Habits

    • Spring and fall is the mating season for the Northern Red Salamander, with most of the courtship done in an aquatic environment. To consummate the interaction, the male rubs his snout on the female's head and chin. After this the male deposits a sperm sack, which is then picked up by the female. After this courtship process, the female is capable of storing the sperm for up to seven months and laying her eggs whenever she chooses within this time period. On average the female lays anywhere from 30-130 eggs at a time, with the eggs usually hatching in early winter