Yucatan Mushroomtongue Salamander

Bolitoglossa yucatana is a medium sized salamander that rarely grows longer than 129 mm TL. The body and tail are usually the same length, with SVL averaging 55 mm (Lee 1996). Wake and Lynch (1976) found that the tail of B. yucatana is often swollen with fat, an apparent adaptation to the dry conditions in which the species lives. Both the fingers and toes have complete webbing. Bolitoglossa yucatana varies in coloration: the dorsal region has been observed as blue-black (Peters 1882), brownish black (Duellman 1965), and many different shades of brown. This region can be mottled with cream or tan. A dark brown triangular patch of color can often be distinguished between the eyes. The sides are usually dark brown, changing to a brownish black or tan color venterally. This underside region can show white spotting (Dundee and Scheibe 2000).Etymology: The species name, "yucatana," refers to the area in which it most commonly occurs, the Peninsula de Yucatan (Dundee and Scheibe 2000).

Bolitoglossa yucatana is found throughout the northern Yucatan and Quintana Roo states of Mexico. There have been a few records of specimens found in the south-central state of Campeche and two found in the very northern regions of Belize. This species usually resides in caves or cenotes, but it can also be found in thorn forests and tropical evergreen forests. Bolitoglossa yucatana is very tolerant of dry conditions (see Description) (Dundee and Scheibe 2000).

The Yucatán mushroomtongue salamander (Bolitoglossa yucatana), also known as the Yucatán salamander, is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is found in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and extreme northern Belize, possibly reaching into Guatemala.

Its natural habitats are lowland tropical forest and thorn forest below 150 m (490 ft) above sea level. It also occurs in disturbed habitat around villages. It is mainly terrestrial, living on the forest floor under surface debris, and in sink holes. However, it can also live in arboreal bromeliads. It is threatened by habitat loss. It occurs in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in Mexico and in the Shipstern Conservation & Management Area and Fireburn Nature Reserve in Belize.