Dermophis occidentalis
Dermophis occidentalis is a species of caecilian in the family Dermophiidae.[3][4] It is endemic to south-western Costa Rica and occurs in the Pacific lowlands and premontane slopes, extending to the western part of the central valley. Its taxonomic status is unclear.[1]
| Dermophis occidentalis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Gymnophiona |
| Clade: | Apoda |
| Family: | Dermophiidae |
| Genus: | Dermophis |
| Species: | D. occidentalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Dermophis occidentalis | |
Description
Dermophis occidentalis is a small-sized caecilian measuring 192–235 mm (7.6–9.3 in) in total length. It has 95–112 primary and 29–37 secondary annuli.[5] The body is slender,[2] with its length 30 to 32 times the body width.[5]). The head is narrow and light grayish tan in color. The body is dorsally lavender plumbeous, turning lighter ventrally.[2]
Habitat and conservation
Dermophis occidentalis occurs in lowland and submontane rainforests at elevations of 365–970 m (1,198–3,182 ft) above sea level. It is a subterranean species that can be found under logs and in leaf litter. It is viviparous.[1]
Dermophis occidentalis is a poorly known species. Deforestation might be a threat to it. Its range overlaps with the Corcovado National Park, among others.[1]
References
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2020). "Dermophis occidentalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T59547A3078612. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T59547A3078612.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- Taylor, E. H. (1955). "Additions to the known herpetological fauna of Costa Rica with comments on other species. No. II". University of Kansas Science Bulletin. 37: 499–575. doi:10.5962/bhl.part.1591.
- Frost, Darrel R. (2018). "Dermophis occidentalis Taylor, 1955". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
- "Dermophiidae". AmphibiaWeb. University of California, Berkeley. 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
- Savage, J. M. & Wake, M. H. (2001). "Reevaluation of the status of taxa of Central American caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona), with comments on their origin and evolution". Copeia. 2001: 52–64. doi:10.1643/0045-8511(2001)001[0052:ROTSOT]2.0.CO;2.