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
Myrmotherula schisticicolor
Slaty Antwren
(Lawrence, 1865)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A very small antwren. Males are predominantly slate-grey with a black throat patch, while females are olive-brown with a yellowish wash below.
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).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Passeriformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Thamnophilidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Myrmotherula
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Lawrence, 1865)
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.
Spring
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 the understory of humid tropical forests and foothills from southern Mexico to Ecuador.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly insectivorous; gleans insects and spiders from leaves while perched.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Typically travels in pairs or joins mixed-species groups.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on a wide variety of small arthropods, including ants, beetles, and spiders.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Builds a small, cup-shaped nest suspended in the fork of a small tree branch.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
9.0 - 10.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
7 g - 9 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 - 2
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.
10 - 12 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
14 - 16
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 7 Years
Females4 - 7 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slate-grey with a distinctive black throat patch.
Females Multi-lang
Females are olive-brown with a dull yellowish underside, lacking the black throat patch.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Small, slender body perfect for navigating through dense tangles of vegetation in the understory.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Sensitive to habitat fragmentation and loss of mature forest cover.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Often observed foraging in mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through the foliage.