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Issue: Vol. 5537 No. 2: 8 Nov. 2024
Type: Article
Published: 2024-11-08
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5537.2.3
Page range: 211-233
Abstract views: 698
PDF downloaded: 18

Taxonomic assessment of the Bolitoglossa (Eladinea) subgenus (Caudata: Plethodontidae) with the description of two new species from the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica

Departamento de Zoología; Instituto de Biología; UNAM; AP 70-153 Ciudad Universitaria; CP 04510; Ciudad de México; México; Escuela de Biología; Universidad de Costa Rica; San Pedro; 11501-2060 San José; Costa Rica; Museo de Zoología; Centro de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical; Universidad de Costa Rica; San José; Costa Rica
Museo de Zoología; Centro de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical; Universidad de Costa Rica; San José; Costa Rica
Costa Rican Amphibian Research Center; Guayacán; Provincia de Limón; Costa Rica
Departamento de Zoología; Instituto de Biología; UNAM; AP 70-153 Ciudad Universitaria; CP 04510; Ciudad de México; México
Amphibia caudate Central America Costa Rica Panama

Abstract

Isthmian Central America boasts a diverse array of salamanders, with a total of 72 species spanning three genera. Among these, a subset of the subgenus Bolitoglossa (Eladinea), stands out as particularly rare within the Cordillera de Talamanca. Many of its species have been discovered since 2009, with the majority documented from fewer than five specimens. In our endeavor to elucidate the taxonomy of this species group, we conducted fieldwork at Tapantí and the summits of Utyum, Echandi, and Fábregas, aiming to locate specimens. Our efforts have led to the expansion of the distributional range and the elucidation of the known body size of Bolitoglossa bramei, while Bolitoglossa robinsoni underwent redefinition. Furthermore, we describe two additional species herein, including a miniature salamander from Cerro Utyum and another salamander of moderate size from Valle del Silencio. As result of this study, the Bolitoglossa diminuta species group is now recognized to encompass seven species, all confined within the limits of the Cordillera de Talamanca.

 

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