Rainbow ameiva
A species of Holcosus, Also known as Metallic ameiva Scientific name : Holcosus undulatus Genus : Holcosus
Rainbow ameiva, A species of Holcosus
Also known as:
Metallic ameiva
Scientific name: Holcosus undulatus
Genus: Holcosus
Content
Description General Info
Photo By charro , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The rainbow ameiva, barred whiptail, or metallic ameiva (Holcosus undulatus) is a species of whiptail lizard found in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, and southern Mexico.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
Rainbow ameiva's diet mainly comprises of small invertebrates, particularly insects. It is known to enjoy arthropods like spiders and scorpions, but also consumes snails. Its foraging behaviours allow it to feed on ground-dwelling prey.
Appearance
Rainbow ameiva is a medium-sized lizard with a slender body and distinctive keeled scales. Its skin is primarily a vivid green or brown, with bold wavy stripes running from the head to the tail, camouflaging the animal in its habitat. It has a long, tapering tail and lacks any form of wings or horns. Both males and females possess similar appearances, with no significant differences due to age, gender or subspecies.
Behavior
Rainbow ameiva leads a semi-arboreal lifestyle, often venturing between tree branches and the forest floor for foraging. Predominantly active during the day, rainbow ameiva exhibits remarkable individual territoriality, marking territory with a strong musk from their femoral glands. This species is largely solitary, barring mating seasons, and demonstrates a territorial behavior, defending the area actively against intruders.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Whiptails Genus
Holcosus Species
Rainbow ameiva 
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