Variation in redback salamanders (P. cinereus)

saglines

saglines

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Steve
Redbacked salamanders (p. cinereus) are some of the most common salamanders. Redbacks have two typical variations "red back" phase and "leadback" phase, but they can be highly variable. Here are some variations I have come across.
If anyone has come across any other variations please add to the thread.
Normal "redback" and "leadback"









Typical redback phase with more red on it's sides:

typical red back phase with a leadback phased tail:

Three variations found together:
 
I love these little buggers in fact im trying to get some more since I only have one :(
Can you tell me how you found these in nature? Under what, witch average depth of soil etc... Also what was the temperature in the moment... :) Aprecciate :)

Cheers
 
I find TONS of these guys all the time. Usually only in higher elevations though for some reason. Now that I think of it. I usually find them in pairs under generally flat stones and rotting logs. They don't usually flee but can be quick.

I've only ever encountered them in heavily wooded areas though.

Good luck on your search!
 
I found a weird color phase of the Southern redback (P.serratus) while in Tennesee.
 
I was out herping in west Michigan last week and found 2 leadbacks that were quite similar to to the 4th pic down, with the gold sheen. Didn't get any pics, left my camera home (d'oh!). But very pretty!
 
These often appear in petshops over this side for about 9-15euro (13-22 USD). But all I've seen for sale and the one I purchased are the typical with red in top and some type of dark in sides and tails... Never seen such these abnormal golden, black, grey morphs... So I'd like to know how often these are seen. How many 'normal' ones you find till you get to see one of these? Are they scarce or quite common?
Thanks in advance,
Jorge
 
I think variations in redbacks is quite common. I'd say I find about 60% typical coloration, and 40% 'alternative' colors.

There is some research that supports the fact that different color phases are more adapted to more dry/warm climates than redbacks themselves.
 
wow! Really interesting Kaysie! Thanks for sharing that info
 
Zach, we do not allow image hosting from the host you're using. Please upload your pictures directly to the site, or use a different image host.
 
Sorry about that, here it is.
 

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Nice pictures! I collect over 100 red-backs at a time as part of a research project. I would say we maybe get 80-20 of red-back to lead-back quantities, but definitely with tons of variation in there as well. From the few times salamanders have autotomized their tails in the lab, I think that the red-back body/lead-back tail may have resulted from tail loss earlier in life. I've only had red-backs losing their tail and it has always grown back with the 'lead' colouration in my experience!
 
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