Dendrotriton rabbi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dendrotriton rabbi |
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The Guatemalan bromeliad salamander (scientific name: Dendrotriton rabbi) is a special type of salamander. It belongs to a group called Plethodontidae. This salamander lives only in Guatemala. You can find it in the Montañas de Cuilco and the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes mountains. These areas are close to the Mexican border. It's possible this salamander also lives in Mexico.
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What's in a Name?
The scientific name rabbi was given to this salamander to honor George B. Rabb. He was an American zoologist, a scientist who studies animals.
What Does It Look Like?
Male Guatemalan bromeliad salamanders can grow to be about 3.67 centimeters long. Females can reach about 3.75 centimeters. This measurement is from their snout (nose) to their vent (tail base). Salamanders larger than 2.5 centimeters are usually grown up.
Their tail is longer than their body when they are adults. They have thin, long legs. Their feet are slightly webbed, like a duck's foot. This might help them climb.
The salamander's back is dark brown. It often has faint orange spots. Some salamanders have a lighter stripe down their back. Others might have stripes along their sides or a net-like pattern. Their belly is light gray. It has many tiny dark spots.
Where Do They Live and How Are They Protected?
The Guatemalan bromeliad salamander lives in forests. These forests are found where subtropical and temperate climates meet. They live at high elevations, from about 2,100 to 3,000 meters above sea level.
You can often find these salamanders living inside bromeliad plants. Bromeliads are plants that grow on trees. They also hide under bark on tree stumps and fallen logs.
Sadly, the Guatemalan bromeliad salamander is in danger. Its home is being destroyed. Forests are cut down for wood. They are also cleared to make space for small farms. This loss of habitat threatens the salamander's survival.
See also
In Spanish: Dendrotriton rabbi para niños
