All comparisons

Cave Salamander vs Eastern Red-backed Salamander

How does the Cave Salamander compare to the Eastern Red-backed Salamander? They are both members of the Plethodontidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.

Cave Salamander
Eastern Red-backed Salamander

Side-by-side comparison

Cave Salamander
Eastern Red-backed Salamander
Scientific name
Eurycea lucifuga
Plethodon cinereus
Classification
Amphibian
Amphibian
Family
Plethodontidae
Plethodontidae
Habitat
Caves, rocky forests near streams and springs
Deciduous and mixed forests with moist, shaded ground cover
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Least Concern
Least Concern
Lifespan
8-10 years
5-10 years
Weight
2-5 grams
2-5 grams

Cave Salamander vs Eastern Red-backed Salamander: who would win?

Cave Salamander

Cave Salamander

2-5 grams

VS
Eastern Red-backed Salamander

Eastern Red-backed Salamander

2-5 grams

Too close to call speculative confidence

Cave Salamander and Eastern Red-backed Salamander are closely matched on both size (2-5 grams vs 2-5 grams) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

Similarities

  • Both are amphibians.
  • Both belong to the Plethodontidae family.
  • Both have a carnivore diet.
  • Both are listed as Least Concern.

Differences

  • Habitat: Caves, rocky forests near streams and springs vs Deciduous and mixed forests with moist, shaded ground cover.

Cave Salamander vs Eastern Red-backed Salamander: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a Cave Salamander or a Eastern Red-backed Salamander?

Too close to call. Cave Salamander and Eastern Red-backed Salamander are closely matched on both size (2-5 grams vs 2-5 grams) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

What is the difference between a Cave Salamander and a Eastern Red-backed Salamander?

Cave Salamander and Eastern Red-backed Salamander differ in several ways — habitat: caves, rocky forests near streams and springs vs deciduous and mixed forests with moist, shaded ground cover.

Do Cave Salamander and Eastern Red-backed Salamander live in the same habitat?

No — Cave Salamander lives in caves, rocky forests near streams and springs, while Eastern Red-backed Salamander is found in deciduous and mixed forests with moist, shaded ground cover.

What do Cave Salamander and Eastern Red-backed Salamander eat?

Both Cave Salamander and Eastern Red-backed Salamander have a carnivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the Cave Salamander or the Eastern Red-backed Salamander?

Cave Salamander is listed as Least Concern, while Eastern Red-backed Salamander is listed as Least Concern.

How big are Cave Salamander and Eastern Red-backed Salamander?

Cave Salamander weighs around 2-5 grams, while Eastern Red-backed Salamander weighs around 2-5 grams.

Cave Salamander

Full profile

Cave Salamander

Eastern Red-backed Salamander

Full profile

Eastern Red-backed Salamander