Xolocalca bromeliad salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xolocalca bromeliad salamander |
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The Xolocalca bromeliad salamander (scientific name: Dendrotriton xolocalcae) is a special type of salamander. It is also known as the Xolocalco bromeliad salamander. This animal belongs to the Plethodontidae family. These salamanders are often called lungless salamanders.
This unique salamander lives only in Chiapas, Mexico. It has only been found in one specific spot. This spot is a mountain called Cerro Ovando. The mountain is about 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) above sea level. The name xolocalcae comes from the original Indian name for Cerro Ovando, which is Xolocalco.
What Does It Look Like?
The first Xolocalca bromeliad salamander ever studied was 37 millimeters (about 1.5 inches) long from its snout to its tail vent. Its total length, including its tail, was 56 millimeters (about 2.2 inches).
This salamander has a flat body and head. Its head is much wider than its body. It also has large hands and feet. Only its first finger and toe are connected by skin, which means they are webbed. Its other fingers and toes are wide and have flat ends. The tail of this salamander is thin and tapers to a point.
These salamanders can have three different color patterns:
- Most of them are a mix of brownish-lavender on top. They also have a black triangle shape on their head.
- Some have two cream-colored lines on their back. These lines start near their eyes and go all the way down their back.
- The third type has a pinkish-cream back and tail. It has two black dots on its neck. Behind these dots, there is a blackish triangle.
The underside of all these salamanders is a dull cream color.
Where It Lives and How We Protect It
The Xolocalca bromeliad salamander lives in bromeliad plants. These plants grow in pine-oak forests. Its home is high up, about 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) above sea level.
Even though it lives in a small area, there seem to be many of these salamanders. Scientists once found as many as 34 salamanders in just one bromeliad plant!
The place where it lives could be in danger. People are expanding farms and cutting down trees for wood. However, so far, humans have not caused much harm to this area. Scientists think this salamander might also live in the nearby El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve. But it has not been found there yet.
