Dermophis costaricense facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dermophis costaricense |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dermophis
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| Species: |
costaricense
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Dermophis costaricense is a special kind of caecilian. Caecilians are amphibians, like frogs and salamanders, but they look a bit like worms or snakes. This species belongs to the family Dermophiidae.
This caecilian lives only in Costa Rica. When an animal lives in just one place, it is called endemic. You can find Dermophis costaricense on the Atlantic side of Costa Rica. It lives in mountain ranges like the Cordillera de Tilarán, Cordillera Central, and Cordillera de Talamanca. Scientists are still studying this species to learn more about it.
What Does It Look Like?
Dermophis costaricense is a medium-sized caecilian. It can grow to be about 16.8 to 38.7 centimeters (6.6 to 15.2 inches) long.
It has many rings around its body, called annuli. It has between 107 and 117 main rings. It also has 74 to 96 smaller rings. These rings are not dark underneath its body. This is different from another caecilian, Dermophis mexicanus, which is also bigger.
Dermophis costaricense seems to be related to Dermophis gracilior. That species lives on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. It is possible they are the same species. But for now, they live in different areas. You can tell them apart by counting their rings. D. costaricense has more rings.
Where It Lives and How We Protect It
Dermophis costaricense lives in rainforests that are high up in the mountains. These forests are usually between 1,000 and 1,300 meters (3,280 to 4,265 feet) above sea level.
This caecilian spends most of its life underground. It is a subterranean animal. You can often find it under fallen logs or in piles of leaves and dirt. Because it lives underground, people rarely see this species.
Dermophis costaricense gives birth to live young. This is called being viviparous. Many amphibians lay eggs, but some, like this caecilian, have live babies.
One possible danger to this animal is deforestation. This is when forests are cut down. We do not know how much this affects Dermophis costaricense. Luckily, it lives in protected areas. These include the Braulio Carrillo and Tapantí National Parks.
See also
In Spanish: Dermophis costaricense para niños
