Eastern Red-backed Salamander vs Red Salamander
How does the Eastern Red-backed Salamander compare to the Red 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
- Pseudotriton ruber
- Classification
- Amphibian
- Amphibian
- Family
- Plethodontidae
- Plethodontidae
- Habitat
- Deciduous and mixed forests with moist, shaded ground cover
- Moist forests near streams and springs
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- 10-20 years
- Weight
- 2-5 grams
- 5-12 grams
Eastern Red-backed Salamander vs Red Salamander: who would win?

Eastern Red-backed Salamander
2-5 grams

Red Salamander
5-12 grams
Red Salamander wins moderate confidence
Red Salamander is substantially heavier (5-12 grams vs 2-5 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. 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 streams and springs.
- Weight: 2-5 grams vs 5-12 grams.
Eastern Red-backed Salamander vs Red Salamander: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Eastern Red-backed Salamander or a Red Salamander?
Red Salamander wins. Red Salamander is substantially heavier (5-12 grams vs 2-5 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. 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 Red Salamander?
Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Red Salamander differ in several ways — habitat: deciduous and mixed forests with moist, shaded ground cover vs moist forests near streams and springs. weight: 2-5 grams vs 5-12 grams.
Do Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Red Salamander live in the same habitat?
No — Eastern Red-backed Salamander lives in deciduous and mixed forests with moist, shaded ground cover, while Red Salamander is found in moist forests near streams and springs.
What do Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Red Salamander eat?
Both Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Red Salamander have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Eastern Red-backed Salamander or the Red Salamander?
Eastern Red-backed Salamander is listed as Least Concern, while Red Salamander is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Eastern Red-backed Salamander and Red Salamander?
Eastern Red-backed Salamander weighs around 2-5 grams, while Red Salamander weighs around 5-12 grams.

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Eastern Red-backed Salamander

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Red Salamander
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