ATOYAC MINUTE SALAMANDER
Thorius infernalis – Hanken, Wake & Freeman 1999
IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
This species is known only from the type locality, in the Sierra Madre del Sur of central Guerrero, Mexico. Thorius infernalis certainly occurs over a broader region than is currently known, but much of this region of central Guerrero is inaccessable due to lack of roads.
HABITAT:
The type locality was described by J. E. Cadle as: an area of steep slopes adjacent to a small stream. Hillsides are planted with coffee; riparian vegetation grows along the stream. The hillsides had recently been cleared of undergrowth, leaving much fresh-cut vegetation on the ground, in addition to a few logs and rocks to turn. The holotype and one paratype were collected beneath logs in the afternoon.
NATURAL HISTORY:
This species is thought to be terrestrial. Like other Thorius it reproduces by direct developement.
TAXONOMY:
TYPE:
Described as Thorius infernalis by Hanken, Wake and Freeman (1999). Holotype: MVZ 183426. Type locality: 13.7 km northeast (road from Atoyac to Puerto del Gallo) of El Paraiso, Guerrero, Mexico, elevation 1140 m. An adult male collected by J. E. Cadle, 18 November 1977.
PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
REFERENCES:
Hanken, J., Wake, D. B., and Freeman, H. L. 1999. Three New Species of Minute Salamanders (Thorius: Plethodontidae) from Guerrero, Mexico, Including the Report of a Novel Dental Polymorphism in Urodeles. Copeia 1999(4):917-931.