Plethodontinae

The subfamily Plethodontinae belongs to the family Plethodontidae, commonly known as lungless salamanders. These amphibians are characterized by their lack of lungs, relying instead on cutaneous respiration, or gas exchange through their moist skin and the mucous membranes in their mouths and throats.1

Plethodontinae is the larger of the two subfamilies within Plethodontidae, comprising over 25 genera and 250 species found throughout the family's range. While most species in this group lay eggs that hatch directly into juvenile forms resembling adults, some aquatic species do have free-living larvae. These salamanders are diverse in their habitats, with many living in forests, while others are arboreal or inhabit rock crevices in drier environments. They use specialized nasolabial grooves to detect odors, which are crucial for finding food, courtship, and social interactions.1