AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Oedipina pauciglandulosa
Sparse-glanded Worm Salamander
Taylor, 1952
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A slender, elongated, and highly fossorial salamander characterized by a reduced number of mental glands compared to related species.
Added by
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 lombriz escasaSparse-glanded Worm 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.Oedipina
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Taylor, 1952
Record Completeness
93%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
Restricted to moist premontane and lower montane forests, often found under deep leaf litter and rotten logs.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Extremely cryptic and fossorial; typically active only after heavy rainfall.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary; likely maintains a stable territory within the subterranean environment.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Fossorial invertivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on soft-bodied micro-invertebrates located in the subterranean layers of the forest.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Direct development; eggs are laid in secure, hidden cavities within the soil matrix.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
9.0 - 14.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.4 g - 1.8 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 6
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
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).
50 - 70
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Specialized reduced limb size and hydrostatic skeleton usage for burrowing through forest soils.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly vulnerable to habitat loss and changes in soil moisture resulting from land conversion.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The reduction in glandular density is an evolutionary adaptation that may correlate with the specific chemical environment of the soils it inhabits.