Order Urodela Higher classification Bolitoglossa | Phylum Chordata Family Plethodontidae Scientific name Bolitoglossa orestes Rank Species | |
Similar Bolitoglossa, Salamander, Amphibians | ||
Bolitoglossa orestes (common name: Culata mushroomtongue salamander; Spanish: salamandra meridena) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to the Mérida state of Venezuela.
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Habitat and conservation
This uncommon species is only found in cloud forests at the elevations of 2,000–3,500 m (6,600–11,500 ft) asl. Some populations might be threatened by habitat loss, but many populations are within protected areas.
Description
Adult Bolitoglossa orestes measure 34–46 mm (1.3–1.8 in) in snout–vent length. Males and females are alike. Their skin is smooth and brown-orange to pale brown or yellowish in colour in the dorsum but darker in the flanks. The tail is about as long as the snout–vent length. Breeding is by direct development.
Taxonomy
Bolitoglossa spongai (common name: Sponga salamander), described in 1999, is since 2012 considered a synonym of Bolitoglossa orestes. In 2004 it was assessed as "Endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.