Slinking Salamander

During a recent power outage, I needed to go through the set of instructions to operate our new generator. In unearthing the machine (well, hauling it out from its cover), we disturbed this beautiful Eastern red-backed salamander - you can only just see its tiny legs (average body length is between 2.5 and 5 inches long).

It's completely terrestrial, unlike many other salamanders which need to get to a water source for part of their life cycle.

These lungless creatures live in close contact with soil and forest floors, from which they must obtain enough moisture to allow gas exchange through their permeable skin. They are therefore hugely impacted by forest disturbances and timber harvesting.

We made sure to avoid stepping on it, despite it being in our path to and from the generator as we plugged the generator in outside, then switched off breakers inside, then came back outside to start it and adjust the choke etc, etc.

It was a happy find!