Costa Rica Species
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

Oedipina alfaroi

Alfaro's Worm Salamander

Dunn, 1921

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A highly elongated, worm-like salamander with very short limbs and a long tail, adapted for a fossorial lifestyle.

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.

Salamandra lombriz de AlfaroAlfaro's Worm Salamander

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).Caudata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Plethodontidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Oedipina
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Dunn, 1921
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

Inhabits leaf litter and soil in humid lowland and premontane forests; strictly fossorial or semi-fossorial.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Highly secretive and fossorial; rarely seen on the surface except during heavy rain.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Solitary, commonly found moving through existing channels or creating their own paths in soft soil.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Fossorial invertivore.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Consumes tiny invertebrates within the soil, such as mites, nematodes, and small larvae.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Direct development; nests are typically constructed in deep, moist soil or decaying logs.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

10.0 - 15.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

0.5 g - 2 g

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.3 - 7
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.

18 - 24 Months

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

50 - 70

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Elongated body and reduced limb size facilitate burrowing through dense soil and under surface debris.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Threatened by the destruction of leaf litter microhabitats and soil compaction.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

The name Oedipina refers to the swelling of the toes, a characteristic feature, while its worm-like shape is a classic example of convergent evolution for burrowing.