Biology:Pristidactylus torquatus

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Short description: Species of lizard

Pristidactylus torquatus
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Leiosauridae
Genus: Pristidactylus
Species:
P. torquatus
Binomial name
Pristidactylus torquatus
(Philippi, 1861)

Pristidactylus torquatus, commonly known as lagarto de bosque, the southern grumbler, or the forest lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Iguanidae. The specific name is derived from the Latin "torquatus" meaning wearing a twisted collar or necklace. This species is endemic to the Bío Bío Region, the Araucanía Region and the Los Lagos Regions of Chile .

Description

Pristidactylus torquatus is a robust lizard with strong legs and a large head. The back is generally reddish-brown with large patches of grey and there is a dark collar around the throat. The underside is paler and the region round the vent is greenish-yellow. This lizard grows to a snout-to-vent length of about 6 to 11 cm (2.4 to 4.3 in).[2]

Distribution and habitat

Pristidactylus torquatus is endemic to Chile where it is found on the west side of the Andes between 35° and 42° south. The regions in which it is found are Biobío, La Araucania and Los Lagos. Its natural habitat is the extensive southern beech forests (Nothofagus) that grow in this temperate climate.[1]

Behaviour

Pristidactylus torquatus is a terrestrial species and is found mainly on the ground under the forest trees. It feeds chiefly on beetles which it chews up with its strong jaws. The female lays a clutch of about six eggs in a hole in the sand.[2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Vidal, M.; Garin, C.; Victoriano, P.; Avilés, R.; Sallabery, N.; Ortiz, J.C.; Nunez, J.; Nunez, H. (2020). "Pristidactylus torquatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T178512A69943106. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T178512A69943106.en. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/178512/69943106. Retrieved 19 November 2021. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 Chester, Sharon (2010). A Wildlife Guide to Chile: Continental Chile, Chilean Antarctica, Easter Island, Juan Fernandez Archipelago. Princeton University Press. p. 114. ISBN 9781400831500. https://books.google.com/books?id=qrI5ph6BWiIC&dq=Diplolaemus+darwinii&pg=PA114. 

Wikidata ☰ Q5313779 entry