Bolitoglossa centenorum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bolitoglossa centenorum |
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Bolitoglossa centenorum is a special kind of salamander that lives only in Guatemala. It's called a "lungless salamander" because, unlike humans, it doesn't have lungs to breathe! Instead, it breathes through its skin and the lining of its mouth. This amazing creature belongs to a family of salamanders called Plethodontidae. Scientists first officially described it in 2010.
Description
What Does It Look Like?
This small salamander is about 6 cm (2.4 in) long from its nose to where its tail begins. That's about the length of your pinky finger! It has thinner and longer legs and toes compared to another salamander called B. rostrata, which it was once mistaken for.
Bolitoglossa centenorum has a dark stripe running down its back. On each side of this dark stripe, there are two thin yellow stripes. These yellow stripes start behind its eyes and go all the way to its back legs. Its belly and underside are a moderately dark color. Its toes are almost completely separate, meaning there is hardly any skin connecting them.
Where Does It Live?
Bolitoglossa centenorum has only been found in one specific place in Guatemala. This place is called the type locality, which is near a town called San Mateo Ixtatán in the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes mountains.
Scientists found these salamanders living under rotting logs. This tells us they like damp, cool places where they can hide and find food. Since they have only been found in this one small area, they are considered very rare and special.
See also
In Spanish: Bolitoglossa centenorum para niños
