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 lignicolor
Wood Salamander
(Peters, 1873)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized salamander with a mottled brown and tan pattern that mimics the texture and color of wood bark.
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.(Peters, 1873)
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.
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
Primarily inhabits lowland and premontane humid forests, frequently found on tree trunks, branches, and rotting wood.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly nocturnal and arboreal; during the day it hides in deep bark crevices or moss clumps.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, with males often showing aggressive posturing towards other males when guarding territories.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Arboreal insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on a wide variety of canopy-dwelling micro-invertebrates.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Direct development; eggs are attached to substrates like leaves or tree cavities.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.0 - 10.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
2 g - 7 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.
18 - 24 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
40 - 50
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 have more angular snouts and well-developed submandibular glands.
Females Multi-lang
Females are typically larger and lack the prominent submandibular glands of males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Exceptional camouflage (crypsis) matching woody substrates and prehensile tail for arboreal locomotion.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened by deforestation and the loss of mature forest canopy required for its specialized microhabitat.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Its ability to flatten its body against bark helps it evade visual predators in the complex forest environment.