AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Nototriton picadoi
Picado's Moss Salamander
(Stejneger, 1911)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A minute, slender, and brownish salamander, often featuring a lighter dorsal stripe that blends well with the mossy substrates it inhabits.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Salamandra musgosa de PicadoPicado's Moss 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.Nototriton
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Stejneger, 1911)
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.
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
Found in high-elevation montane cloud forests of Costa Rica, primarily restricted to deep moss mats on trees.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly nocturnal; emerges from moss layers only when surface humidity is very high.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, often found as individuals even within the same host plant.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Micro-invertivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Predator of extremely small invertebrates such as mites, rotifers, and tiny flies found in the moss layer.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Direct development; eggs are laid within deep moss, providing protection against desiccation.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.0 - 4.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.1 g - 0.4 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 4
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.
12 - 18 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
50 - 65
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Years
Females2 - 4 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are smaller and have distinct mental glands visible under close inspection.
Females Multi-lang
Females are slightly larger and often have a more rounded abdomen.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Prehensile tail and specialized toes for clinging to vertical moss surfaces in the canopy.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened by climate change, specifically the reduction of persistent cloud cover and humidity in its forest range.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Named after Clodomiro Picado Twight, a pioneer in the study of Central American herpetology and snake venom.