Interdigital webbing and skin morphology in the neotropical salamander genus Bolitoglossa (amphibia; plethodontidae)

Abstract

Arboreal salamanders of the Neotropical genus Bolitoglossa are characterized by palmate, fully webbed feet. The feet act as adhesive structures enabling the salamanders to cling to smooth surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy of skin epithelium and light microscopy of serial sections show exceptionally smooth cell surfaces and increased numbers of mucous glands on the soles of the feet. These features enhance the abilities of the feet to adhere by means of surface tension and suction. They are part of a set of morphological characteristics that may have been produced as a result of paedomorphosis.