Bolitoglossa

The genus Bolitoglossa is part of the Plethodontidae family, commonly known as lungless salamanders. These amphibians are characterized by their lack of lungs, relying instead on cutaneous respiration, meaning they absorb oxygen through their moist skin and the mucous membranes in their mouths and throats.1

Plethodontids are the largest group of salamanders, found predominantly in the Americas, from southern Canada to the Amazon basin. A few species also exist in Sardinia, northern Italy, and the Korean peninsula. Bolitoglossa species are found in mountainous regions of the New World tropics, particularly in cloud forests, with some being arboreal (tree-dwelling). They use nasolabial grooves to detect odors, which aids in finding food and in social behaviors.1