All salamanders found in Central America (and thus Costa Rica) belong to the family of lungless salamaders (Plethodontidae). Salamanders in this family indeed have lost their lungs and relay entirely upon cutaneous (through their skin) respiration. Two different genera of salamanders in this family can be found at Las Cruces, each with a couple of species. I unfortunately do not have any photos of the Bolitoglossa, which tend to be larger and stouter than the Oedipina salamanders (which are long and slender). Salamanders are much less diverse in the neotropics than in North America relative to other amphibian groups, that all tend to be much more diverse in the neotropics.

Plethodontidae
    Bolitoglossa colononea
    B. "red tail"
    Oedipina savagei

	Oedipina savagei Slide 1 of 2.  Note how long and slender this salamander is. We found this species at night, crawling around on low vegetation. Larger image
	Oedipina savagei Slide 2 of 2. Close-up of head. Note how arms are very slender, and hands very small and compact.  Larger image

Field guide main page | Martin's homepage |