AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN CRInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Critically Endangered — faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the near future.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Bolitoglossa alvaradoi
Alvarado's Salamander
Taylor, 1954
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized lungless salamander with robust body, partially webbed toes, and dark coloration with pale mottling.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
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.Taylor, 1954
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.
Decreasing
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
Endemic to the central mountains of Costa Rica; inhabits high-altitude cloud forests and subalpine páramo vegetation.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mostly nocturnal and terrestrial/arboreal, often found under bromeliads and moss-covered branches.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, highly territorial regarding microhabitat space.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.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on small arthropods, including mites, collembolans, and tiny beetles.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Direct development (no larval stage); eggs are typically guarded by the female until hatching.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.0 - 10.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
2 g - 8 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.6 - 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.
24 - 36 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
45 - 60
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 6 Years
Females4 - 6 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males often exhibit a more slender body profile and sometimes specialized snout structures for courtship.
Females Multi-lang
Females are typically larger and more robust, optimized for carrying eggs.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Lungless respiration through the skin, requiring extremely humid environments for gas exchange.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly susceptible to chytridiomycosis (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and habitat loss due to climate change.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
As a member of the Plethodontidae family, it lacks lungs entirely and breathes solely through its skin and the lining of its mouth.