Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber) - Ohio Herp Atlas

Length 4 1/4 – 6 in. (11-15 cm.) The Northern Red Salamander stands out from most of the other large, red-colored salamanders found in Ohio because of its distinctive, bright yellow-gold iris and its stout body. Northern Reds can be located under logs, moss, and rocks in and around cold, clean springs and adjacent brooks. With the exception of a small colony reported in the vicinity of Cincinnati, these salamanders occur only in the eastern half of the state. Although adults are usually a striking bright red with scattered black dots, old specimens are less brightly colored, often somewhat purplish.

Text courtesy of the Ohio Division of Wildlife: https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/id%20guides/pub348.pdf