Pristidactylus torquatus
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.
| Pristidactylus torquatus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| 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) | |
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
- 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. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- Chester, Sharon (2010). A Wildlife Guide to Chile: Continental Chile, Chilean Antarctica, Easter Island, Juan Fernandez Archipelago. Princeton University Press. p. 114. ISBN 9781400831500.