AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Gymnopis syntrema
Mountain Caecilian
(Cope, 1866)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A slender, annulated caecilian with a dark, uniform coloration and a highly specialized, recessed mouth suitable for fossorial life.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Cecilia de montañaMountain Caecilian
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Amphibia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Gymnophiona
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Dermophiidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Gymnopis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Cope, 1866)
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Restricted to high-elevation montane forests and cloud forests; lives in deep, damp soil and decaying organic matter.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly fossorial. Moves through soil using accordion-like movement, extremely difficult to observe in the wild.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary nature; aggregation is only reported during reproductive events.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Subterranean predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Consumes a variety of small soil-dwelling invertebrates, including larvae and tiny insects.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparous, producing relatively few but large offspring compared to lowland species.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
15.0 - 25.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
10 g - 25 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 5
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
24 - 36 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
10 - 12
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 8 Years
Females4 - 8 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Strong, ossified skull architecture designed for head-first burrowing in dense, high-altitude forest soils.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Extremely vulnerable to climate change-induced habitat alterations and temperature shifts in cloud forest ecosystems.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike some lowland relatives, this species has adapted to cooler temperatures, making it a specialist of the mountain microclimate.