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Narrow-footed Worm Salamander

Narrow-footed Worm Salamander

Honduras
Status
Endangered

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
damp forest logs, subterranean burrows, and slow streams

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
earthworms, slugs, insect larvae, and small arachnids

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
nocturnal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Diagnosis. A small to moderate sized (holotype is a subadult at 29.6 mm SL) member of Oedipina. Distinguished from Oedipina cyclocauda of Costa Rica (the species with which this population was previously identified by Good & Wake 1998 and García-París & Wake 2000) by its inferred larger size and narrower hands and feet with less discrete digits. It differs from other described Honduran species of the subgenus Oedipina (O. ignea, O. stuarti, and O. taylori) in the following ways: from ignea in having more maxillary teeth and narrower hands and feet; from stuarti in being smaller, having much narrower hands and feet, and lacking glandular spots on its head and body; from taylori in having a broader head, narrower hands and feet, shorter body and tail, and 19 - 20 costal grooves; from members of the subgenus Oeditriton (O. quadra and O. kasios) in being larger (based on the size of the paratype), having relatively smaller limbs and hands and feet, and a rounded body and tail; from all described Honduran species of the subgenus Oedopinola (O. elongata, O. gephyra and O. tomasi) by having 19 – 20 costal grooves. In addition to these features, this species differs in allozymic (Good & Wake 1998) and mtDNA characters (Fig. 1) from all members of the genus in which those characters are known
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Narrow-footed Worm Salamander is officially designated as Endangered. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to damp forest logs, subterranean burrows, and slow streams, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of earthworms, slugs, insect larvae, and small arachnids. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a nocturnal activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 8 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Narrow-footed Worm Salamander.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeHonduras
Habitat Rangedamp forest logs, subterranean burrows, and slow streams
Lifespan8 Yrs
StatusEndangered
ScientificOedipina leptopoda
Registry Info
Lifespan8 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyPlethodontidae