Identification: Lizard, Worm, or Other?

14 years ago

Sorry if this is a duplicate. I'm new to this forum and it appears that the Internet ate my post:

My son found a creature under a flat rock in our Southern Ohio garden. It is about the length of my hand, has a snake-like head, a worm-ish body (ring marks), a long tapered tail, at least one set of legs, and--according to my son--is slimey.

I'm trying to attach a link to a pic. Hopefully it will work.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Here is a link that might be useful: mystery creature

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Comments (5)

curlyrebel
14 years ago
Definely a salamander not a lizard the pic shows a black & brown color pattern with ridges on the side is that accurate ? 6 inches long ?
wordnick
Original Author
14 years ago
It was definitely around 6 inches long, but it did have a good deal of dark pink coloring to it. And, while it's been a while since I've seen a salamander up close, this did not have that gelatinous sheen to it. Even though my son said it was slimey, it looked drier, almost more like an exoskeleton. Would that still fit with a salamander?

Oh, and thank you so very much for answering! My son was overjoyed that you responded.
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I don't know what they are but they are nice and plump, could we get a picture where they are not covered in castings that might help I'd them
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curlyrebel
14 years ago
After looking at it again....my guess is a red back salamder.

Very common in your neck of the woods.
Good luck dennis
wordnick
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, Dennis.
danetherton
14 years ago
The critter is a Red Backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus. It is a member of the Woodland (or Lungless) Salamander family, the "Plethodontidae". This family is unique in having no lungs. Red Backs live under leaf litter, logs, rocks, and such like. They have many cousins, and are one of the most successful salamander families in the world. They also make decent pets, with proper care.

Here is a link that might be useful: Eastern Red-backed Salamander

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Identification: Lizard, Worm, or Other?

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curlyrebel

wordnick
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Identification: Lizard, Worm, or Other?

Comments (5)

curlyrebel

wordnickOriginal Author

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curlyrebel

wordnickOriginal Author

danetherton

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wordnick
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