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
Bolitoglossa robusta
Robust salamander
Cope, 1893
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
One of the largest species in the genus, with a notably thick body, strong limbs, and coloration ranging from dark brown to almost black.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Salamandra robustaRobust 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.Bolitoglossa
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Cope, 1893
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 cloud forests and premontane forests, often found in bromeliads or under fallen logs.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mainly nocturnal, active in high humidity conditions.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, prefers to avoid competition with congeners.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Ambush hunter, uses its specialized tongue to capture bulky prey.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on a wide variety of large invertebrates.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Terrestrial reproduction with direct development.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 16.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
10 g - 30 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.15 - 30
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.
3 - 5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
70 - 100
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males0 Years
Females0 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males with more pronounced submental gland.
Females Multi-lang
Female larger and with wide body.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Large size and powerful musculature that allows it to move effectively through the forest terrain and climb trees.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and the degradation of cloud forests are its greatest threats.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is known for being one of the most imposing neotropical salamander species due to its physical robustness.