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.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Dermophis parviceps
Slender caecilian
Dunn, 1924
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Caecilian with a remarkably slender and elongated body, with a small head and uniform coloration tending towards grayish or brownish tones.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
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).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.Dermophis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Dunn, 1924
Record Completeness
94%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 soil rich in organic matter in tropical humid forests and secondary vegetation areas.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly fossorial, rarely leaves its underground galleries.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, interacts with other individuals only during the mating season.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Tactile and vibrational hunter, locates prey in the dark.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Predator of small soil invertebrates.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparity, the female nourishes its young internally.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
15.0 - 25.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
5 g - 20 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 - 8
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.
2 - 3 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
150 - 200
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males--
Females--
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males with slightly longer tail.
Females Multi-lang
Females with larger body and reproductive capacity.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Highly specialized body for burrowing, with a reinforced skull that allows it to force its way through dense substrates.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Sensitive to soil degradation and chemical contamination from agricultural pesticides.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Despite its appearance, it is neither an earthworm nor a reptile, but an amphibian perfectly adapted to subterranean life.