Taxonomic status of the Guyanese endemic caecilian Caecilia pressula Taylor, 1968 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae)

Abstract

The taxonomic status of the poorly known Neotropical caecilian species Caecilia pressula Taylor, 1968 is reconsidered based on examination of the type series. The single reported diagnostic feature, a laterally compressed body, that purportedly distinguishes C. pressula from Caecilia tentaculata Linnaeus, 1758 is not consistent across the seven specimens that constitute the type series and the only reported specimens, is variable in the Holotype depending on how it is held, and is considered to be artefactual. Caecilia pressula is considered to be a junior synonym of Caecilia tentaculata. Dentitional features of the smallest and presumed youngest specimens in the type series provide evidence that C. tentaculata practices maternal dermatophagy.