Red-backed Salamander (IMAGE) U.S. Geological Survey Caption A red-backed salamander that is a chocolate brown base color with white speckling and a distinctly bright red-orange stripe running the length of its back from its neck to the tip of its tail rest on some wet leaves. USGS Photo. Credit USGS Photo Usage Restrictions No restrictions. License Public Domain Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.