Microhabitat preference in the Red-Backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus.

Abstract

A number of abiotic factors are proposed as limits to the distribution and abundance of the red-backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus. Red-backed salamanders should have certain preferences for biotic and abiotic variables within the microclimates they inhabit based on their need for moisture in respiration, avoidance of desiccation and predation, and access to food sources. Three variables proposed as important factors are soil moisture content, leaf litter depth, and substrate particle size. This experiment investigates the salamanders' preferences for these three variables in the laboratory through the use of gradients. Through our observations, we attempt to apply our results to the life-history strategies of red-backed salamanders. We found that salamanders showed tendencies toward moist substrates and places of high leaf litter depth, while exhibiting no observable preference for a particular substrate particle size.