salamander
Posted by Chris Book on August 27, 2005
Q: Looks black, when scared moves like snake.about 3-4" long. not sure what to feed it or what enviroment it will like to live in?
State: Indiana
A: From the information you provided, it sounds like you uncovered a Redback Salamander (Plethodon cinereus). This species is reasonably abundant in moist, woodland habitat in the northeast and is not always the same color. Some are orangish-red backed while others are almost coal black while others still may be somewhere inbetween. You may think of salamanders as only living near water but this species may be found quite a ways from standing water and they don't even lay their eggs in water but lay their eggs in a damp location in the woods. Take a look at this website and you'll see the two color varieties of this beautiful animal. herpcenter.ipfw.edu
Thanks for your question.
John Wiessinger ( August 29, 2005)