A review of color patterns in Caecilia tentaculata (Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) reveals high frequency of partial leucism

Abstract

Caecilia tentaculata is an amphibian species of the order Gymnophiona, widely distributed throughout Amazonia. We reviewed the species’ color pattern based on the analysis of collection specimens representing several populations across its geographic range. We identified two main color patterns determined by the pigmentation of the primary and secondary grooves, along with variations in the color of the head, lower jaw, gular and terminal regions of the body that occur independently of the two patterns. We observed a high frequency of partial leucism in the C. tentaculata populations studied. Considering that chromatic anomalies are rare in wild animals, the unexpected high frequency of partial leucism in this species is noteworthy. Our results underscore the importance of reassessing the color patterns of Caecilia species. Therefore, we recommend that color characters should be used with caution in Caecilia taxonomy since their variation is unknown for most species of the genus.