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
Bolitoglossa colonnea
Colonne's Web-footed Salamander
Dunn, 1924
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, slender salamander, characterized by a dorsal crest on its head and fully webbed feet. Its coloration is usually dark brown to almost black, sometimes with lighter spots that help it blend into the forest environment.
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Anonymous Curator
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
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.Bolitoglossa
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Dunn, 1924
Record Completeness
96%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.
Insectivore
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 humid tropical rainforests of low to medium elevation. It is a predominantly arboreal or semi-arboreal species, frequently found on bromeliad leaves or in the low vegetation of the understory.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Highly moisture-dependent nocturnal species. It remains active during the night to search for prey in the understory foliage.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, interacting mainly during the reproductive season. Its territorial behavior is limited but evident in the canopy.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nocturnal ambush predator. Uses its protractile tongue quickly and precisely to capture prey on leaves.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Insectivore; its diet is based on small arboreal arthropods, such as mites, small ants, and insect larvae.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous species; deposits eggs in moist and protected sites (such as bromeliads). Direct development without aquatic larval phase.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.5 - 5.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
1 g - 3 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.5 - 12
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
3 - 5
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males with a slightly more pronounced cephalic crest and more developed mental glands (under the chin).
Females Multi-lang
Females with a larger body size, with a greater capacity to store eggs during the pre-laying phase.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Arboreal adaptation: Its fully webbed feet increase contact surface, allowing it to adhere effectively to smooth leaves and vertical surfaces in the canopy.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation: The removal of forest cover and the desiccation of microhabitats where it lives (such as bromeliads) are critical threats.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Its cephalic crest is such a marked anatomical trait that it facilitates its immediate identification even under low nocturnal visibility conditions.