Nototriton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nototriton |
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| Nototriton lignicola | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Urodela |
| Family: | Plethodontidae |
| Subfamily: | Hemidactyliinae |
| Genus: | Nototriton Wake & Elias, 1983 |
| Species | |
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See table. |
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Nototriton, commonly called moss salamanders, are a special kind of salamander. They belong to a family named Plethodontidae. What makes them really unique is that they don't have lungs! Instead, they breathe through their skin and the inside of their mouths. These amazing creatures live in Central America. You can find them from Central Costa Rica up to north-central and western Honduras, and even in eastern Guatemala.
Amazing Lungless Salamanders
Moss salamanders are small amphibians. They are part of a group known as "lungless" salamanders. This means they don't use lungs to breathe like humans or many other animals. Instead, they get all the oxygen they need through their moist skin. They also absorb oxygen through the tissues inside their mouths and throats. This special way of breathing helps them survive in their damp homes.
Where Do Moss Salamanders Live?
These fascinating salamanders are found in Central America. Their home range stretches from Central Costa Rica. It goes north through Honduras and into eastern Guatemala. They often live in cool, damp places. You might find them in cloud forests or other wet, mossy areas. This is why they are called "moss salamanders." Their environment needs to stay moist for them to breathe properly.
Many Types of Moss Salamanders
The Nototriton group includes many different species. Scientists have identified about 20 different kinds of moss salamanders. Each species might have slightly different colors or live in a specific part of their range. Studying these different types helps scientists understand more about how they live and adapt to their environments.
