Sceloporus merriami longipunctatus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sceloporus merriami longipunctatus
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Phrynosomatidae
Genus: Sceloporus
Species:
S. merriami
Subspecies:
S. m. longipunctatus
Trinomial name
Sceloporus merriami longipunctatus
, 1973

Sceloporus merriami longipunctatus, commonly known as the Presidio canyon lizard, is a subspecies of the canyon lizard, and is endemic to southwestern Texas and northeastern Mexico. It is unknown if it interbreeds with the other subspecies of canyon lizard found in the same region, but it is likely.[1]

Etymology[]

The subspecific name, longipunctatus, is a combination of the Latin words longus meaning "long", punctum meaning "spot", and the suffix -atus meaning "pertaining to", which literally describes the laterally elongated paravertebral spots on the lizard's back which are a diagnostic of the subspecies.[1]

Geographic range[]

S. m. longipunctatus is native to a narrow range in the Big Bend region of the US state of Texas and into adjacent states in northern Mexico. The holotype was collected on May 31, 1971 by in Presidio County, Texas.[1]

Description[]

The Presidio canyon lizard is a medium-sized lizard, growing from 4.5 to 6.25 inches (11.5–16 cm) in total length. Its coloration varies with the soil color in its particular choice of habitat, varying from gray to brown, with two rows of dark, comma-shaped spots down each side of the back, and a dark line on the shoulder region. It has a fairly large head for its body size, and a dewlap which is larger in males than females. The underside has dark lines, especially under the neck and tail regions, and males have distinct blue patches on either side of the belly.

Behavior[]

All canyon lizards are diurnal and insectivorous. Their primary choice of habitat is rocky, unvegetated canyon lands with numerous crevices to hide in, and ledges to bask on.

Reproduction[]

They are oviparous.

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Bell, Edwin L.; Smith, Hobart M.; Chiszar, David (2003), "An Annotated List of the Species-Group Names Applied to the Lizard Genus Sceloporus." (PDF), Acta Zoologica Mexicana, Nueva Serie (90): 103–174

Further reading[]

  • 1973. Variation in the canyon lizard, Sceloporus merriami Stejneger. Herpetologica 29 (2): 116-127.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""