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.


Side-by-side comparison
- 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
2-5 grams

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.

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Cave Salamander

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Eastern Red-backed Salamander







