The Thompson’s caecilian is the largest caecilian species known and far exceeds others in length and weight. They hail from Colombia. These caecilians prefer subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, plantations, rural gardens, and heavily degraded former forests. Thompson’s caecilians face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of farming, ranching, residential, and commercial developments. They’re also persecuted, as they are often killed for being mistaken as snakes. Climate change that effects rainfall and the necessary moisture needed is another risk factor. The IUCN lists these caecilians as Least Concern, though. Their population trend is listed as stable.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Caecilia thompsoni
Weight: Up to 2.2 lbs.
Length: Up to 5 feet
Lifespan: Up to 13 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Snakes, birds, and a variety of carnivorous mammals all prey on these caecilians.
2.) As is the case with all known caecilians, they are heavily fossorial (spend most of their life underground).
3.) They are nocturnal (active at night).
4.) Earthworms, termites, beetles, pupae, and other small larvae are all preyed on.
5.) These critters can have a nasty bite as they are equipped with sharp, peg-like teeth.
But wait, there’s more on the Thompson’s caecilian!
6.) British zoologist George Albert Boulenger first described these amphibians in 1902.
7.) Another common name for these critters is “ciega” which translates to “the blind one” in Spanish.
Did you know…?
They possess venom-producing glands in their mouths that secrete enzymes similar to snakes. Additionally, their skin contains toxic glands to deter predators, making them the first known amphibians to potentially possess both venomous bites and poisonous skin.
8.) Just like all amphibians they can drink water and breathe through their permeable skin.
9.) They have small, chemically-sensitive tentacles between their eyes and nostrils to navigate and find prey in the dark.
10.) Caecilians are the only known amphibians that use internal fertilization.
Now a Short Thompson’s Caecilian Video!
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