Costa Rica Species
Nototriton abscondens
AnimaliaIUCN ENIn Progress Recent Sighting

Nototriton abscondens

Hiding Moss Salamander

Taylor, 1948

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An extremely small amphibian, with a slender body and short limbs. Its skin presents tones that mimic the texture and color of moss, allowing it to remain hidden in plain sight in its microhabitat.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

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Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Taxonomy

PhylumChordata
ClassAmphibia
OrderCaudata
FamilyPlethodontidae
GenusNototriton
Taxonomic AuthorityTaylor, 1948

Ecology & Status

Origin

Native

Population Trend

Decreasing

Breeding Season

Year Round

Trophic Role

Insectivore

Recent Sightings

Yes

Habitat Summary Multi-lang

Inhabits exclusively high-elevation cloud forests in Costa Rica, mainly within patches of moss, liverworts, and epiphytic bromeliads.

Behaviour Multi-lang

Strictly nocturnal and cryptic habits. It spends the day buried in moss or within bromeliad cavities to avoid desiccation.

Social Activity Multi-lang

Completely solitary. Social interactions are minimal and appear to be almost exclusively for reproductive courtship.

Feeding Guild Multi-lang

Ambush predator. Remains still on the moss, waiting for a tiny prey to pass nearby before attacking with a quick movement.

Trophic Chain Details Multi-lang

Insectivore specialized in very small-sized prey, such as moss mites, small springtails, and eggs of other invertebrates.

Reproductive Behaviour Multi-lang

Oviparous; lays very small clutches of eggs on protected substrates. Direct development (no tadpole stage).

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

2.5 - 3.5 cm

Weight (Grams)

0.2 g - 0.8 g

Offspring per cycle2 - 6
Sexual DimorphismYes

Lifespan

Sexual Maturity

1 - 2 Years

Gestation / Incubation

2 - 4

Lifespan Estimated
Males2 - 4 Years
Females2 - 4 Years

Sexual Dimorphism

Males Multi-lang

Minimal morphological differences; males with slightly more marked submandibular glands for chemical communication during courtship.

Females Multi-lang

Females slightly larger and more robust to manage egg-laying within the confined spaces of the moss.

Evolutionary Adaptations Multi-lang

Miniaturization: Its tiny size allows it to access microspaces in moss and between leaves, places inaccessible to larger predators.

Main Threats Multi-lang

Habitat loss and rising temperatures: Being a species restricted to high and very humid areas, it is extremely vulnerable to forest fragmentation and climate change.

Interesting Facts Multi-lang

It is a notable example of "microendemism", where a species can have a range of geographic distribution extremely restricted to a few mountain slopes.