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 Edit this 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

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