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 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.
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Anonymous Curator
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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.Nototriton
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Taylor, 1948
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.
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.
Insectivore
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 exclusively high-elevation cloud forests in Costa Rica, mainly within patches of moss, liverworts, and epiphytic bromeliads.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly nocturnal and cryptic habits. It spends the day buried in moss or within bromeliad cavities to avoid desiccation.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Completely solitary. Social interactions are minimal and appear to be almost exclusively for reproductive courtship.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. 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 DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Insectivore specialized in very small-sized prey, such as moss mites, small springtails, and eggs of other invertebrates.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. 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 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).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
2 - 4
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
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 AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Miniaturization: Its tiny size allows it to access microspaces in moss and between leaves, places inaccessible to larger predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. 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 FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. 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.