Bolitoglossa tamaense
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bolitoglossa tamaense | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Urodela |
| Family: | Plethodontidae |
| Genus: | Bolitoglossa |
| Species: | B. tamaense |
| Binomial name | |
| Bolitoglossa tamaense Acevedo, Wake, Márquez, Silva, Franco & Amézquita, 2013 | |
Bolitoglossa tamaense, commonly known as the Tamá salamander or Tamá mushroomtongue salamander, is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae (lungless salamanders). It is native to the eastern Andes of Colombia and adjacent Venezuela.[2][3]
The species was described in 2013 by Acevedo, Wake, Márquez, Silva-Pérez, Franco, and Amézquita based on specimens collected in the eastern Colombian Andes.[4]: 80–81
Etymology
The specific name tamaense refers to Tamá National Natural Park, the region where the species was first discovered.[2]
Description
Bolitoglossa tamaense is a medium-sized salamander with a relatively broad head and elongated body. Individuals typically exhibit variable coloration, ranging from brown to reddish tones, sometimes with orange or yellow hues on the limbs and tail.[5]
The species can reach a snout–vent length of approximately 47 mm on average, though size and coloration vary among individuals.[6]
Like other members of its genus, it is a lungless salamander that relies on cutaneous respiration.
Distribution and habitat
The species is known from the eastern flank of the Cordillera Oriental in the Andes. It occurs in:
- Norte de Santander Department, Colombia
- Táchira, Venezuela[2]
It inhabits high-elevation Andean forests, typically between about 2,000 and 2,700 metres above sea level.[2]
Individuals are usually found in humid forest environments, sheltering under leaf litter, rocks, or vegetation and becoming active at night.[6]
Biology
Bolitoglossa tamaense is nocturnal and slow-moving, typical of many tropical salamanders. It is often associated with vegetation such as ferns and bromeliads, where it forages for small invertebrates.[6]
