Bolitoglossa tapajonica Brcko, Hoogmoed & Neckel-Oliveira, 2013
Tapajos Mushroomtongue Salamander (English) Subgenus: Eladinea | family: Plethodontidae subfamily: Hemidactyliinae genus: Bolitoglossa |
Species Description: Brcko IC, Hoogmoed MS, Neckel-Oliveira S 2013 Taxonomy and distribution of the salamander genus Bolitoglossa Dumeril, Bibron & Dumeril, 1854 (Amphibia, Caudata, Plethodontidae) in Brazilian Amazonica. Zootaxa 3686: 401-431. | |
Etymology: Bolitoglossa tapajonica was named for the lower Tapajós River region in the central state of Pará, Brazil, where the specimens were found (Brcko et al. 2013). |
![]() © 2013 Pedro L. V. Peloso (1 of 1) |
|
|
Description DIAGNOSIS: Bolitoglossa tapajonica is morphologically similar to other species of Amazonian Bolitoglossa. However, B. tapajonica can be distinguished from B. altamazonica by B. altamazonica having a tail length of 70% - 120% of its standard length in males, and 60% - 100% in females, while B. tapajonica has a tail length of 70% - 80% in males and 80% - 90% in females. Additionally, B. peruviana has a standard length of 5.2 - 6.3 times as large as head width in males, and 5.9 - 7.0 times in females while B. tapajonica’s standard length is 6.9 - 8.0 times its head width in males and 7.0 - 8.0 times in females. Bolitoglossa madeira is noticeably larger than B. tapajonica (Brcko et al. 2013).COLORATION: In life, B. tapajonica is reddish brown with brown spots across its dorsal surface. The ventral surface is dark gray with white spots. In some specimens, the flanks has the same coloration as the dorsal surface, while in others gray or dark brown stripes with white dots are present. Some specimens have been observed to have a dark brown, irregularly shaped spot on the top of its head. In other specimens, this mark appears to be more triangular and extends down the mid-dorsal line. Snout color is usually slightly lighter than the color of the body, and can appear cream or light brown. The irises of B. tapajonica are bright orange (Brcko et al. 2013).In preservative, the dorsal color can range from gray to dark brown with varied patches of lighter shades of brown. Some specimens are spotted while others have light gray stripes. Spots are mainly present on the top of the head, and mid-dorsal region. A dark gray stripe is present on the dorsolateral side. The snout remains lighter than the body and is cream with specks above nasolabial protuberances. The limbs now appear a pale gray. Mental glands are present and appear light gray. The ventral surface can be light to dark brown, or lacking color entirely near the anterior of the ventral surface (Brcko et al. 2013). VARIATION: Coloration can vary in preservative (See above, Brcko et al. 2013). Distribution and Habitat Country distribution from AmphibiaWeb's database: Brazil
Life History, Abundance, Activity, and Special Behaviors Larva Trends and Threats Possible reasons for amphibian decline Dams changing river flow and/or covering habitat Comments References IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group & Instituto Boitatá de Etnobiologia e Conservação da Fauna. (2023). Bolitoglossa tapajonica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023: e.T81659800A86254599. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T81659800A86254599.en. Accessed on 4 December 2024. Originally submitted by: Elizabeth Shagena (2024-12-13) Description by: Elizabeth Shagena (updated 2024-12-13)
Distribution by: Elizabeth Shagena (updated 2024-12-13)
Life history by: Elizabeth Shagena (updated 2024-12-13)
Larva by: Ann T. Chang (updated 2024-12-13)
Trends and threats by: Elizabeth Shagena (updated 2024-12-13)
Comments by: Elizabeth Shagena (updated 2024-12-13)
Edited by: Ann T. Chang (2024-12-13) Species Account Citation: AmphibiaWeb 2024 Bolitoglossa tapajonica: Tapajos Mushroomtongue Salamander (English) <https://amphibiaweb.org/species/8029> University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed May 5, 2025.
Feedback or comments about this page.
Citation: AmphibiaWeb. 2025. <https://amphibiaweb.org> University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed 5 May 2025. AmphibiaWeb's policy on data use. |