Eastern Red-backed Salamander vs Northern Dusky Salamander
How does the Eastern Red-backed Salamander compare to the Northern Dusky 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
- Plethodon cinereus
- Desmognathus fuscus
- Classification
- Amphibian
- Amphibian
- Family
- Plethodontidae
- Plethodontidae
- Habitat
- Deciduous and mixed forests with moist, shaded ground cover
- Moist forests near freshwater streams and springs
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- 8-15 years
- Weight
- 2-5 grams
- 2-5 grams
Eastern Red-backed Salamander vs Northern Dusky Salamander: who would win?
Eastern Red-backed Salamander
2-5 grams
Northern Dusky Salamander
2-5 grams
Too close to call speculative confidence
Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Northern Dusky 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: Deciduous and mixed forests with moist, shaded ground cover vs Moist forests near freshwater streams and springs.
Eastern Red-backed Salamander vs Northern Dusky Salamander: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Eastern Red-backed Salamander or a Northern Dusky Salamander?
Too close to call. Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Northern Dusky 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 Eastern Red-backed Salamander and a Northern Dusky Salamander?
Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander differ in several ways — habitat: deciduous and mixed forests with moist, shaded ground cover vs moist forests near freshwater streams and springs.
Do Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander live in the same habitat?
No — Eastern Red-backed Salamander lives in deciduous and mixed forests with moist, shaded ground cover, while Northern Dusky Salamander is found in moist forests near freshwater streams and springs.
What do Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander eat?
Both Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Eastern Red-backed Salamander or the Northern Dusky Salamander?
Eastern Red-backed Salamander is listed as Least Concern, while Northern Dusky Salamander is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander?
Eastern Red-backed Salamander weighs around 2-5 grams, while Northern Dusky Salamander weighs around 2-5 grams.
Full profile
Eastern Red-backed Salamander
Full profile
Northern Dusky Salamander
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