Striped forest whiptail
A species of Kentropyx Scientific name : Kentropyx calcarata Genus : Kentropyx
Striped forest whiptail, A species of Kentropyx
Scientific name: Kentropyx calcarata
Genus: Kentropyx
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Kentropyx calcarata, commonly known as the striped forest whiptail, is a species of lizard endemic to South America.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Striped forest whiptail predominantly feeds on invertebrates. Specializing in digressive foraging through leaf litter, this reptile consumes beetles, ants, and termites. Occasionally, it augments its diet with plant matter and small vertebrates.
Appearance
Striped forest whiptail is a medium-sized lizard, with a slim, elongated body and limbs. It possesses distinctive forked fringes on its toes, aiding in its locomotion. Its smooth, glossy scales predominantly feature green and brown shades, allowing for effective camouflage. Males have broader heads and larger femoral pores compared to females. Over time, the green coloration becomes more pronounced with age.
Behavior
Striped forest whiptail is typically solitary and notably diurnal. Its specially adapted, dorso-ventrally flattened tail serves a dual purpose: facilitating swift movement for daily foraging and acting as a defense mechanism, thrashing enemies when threatened. A ground-dwelling species, it displays remarkable territorial reverence, marking boundaries via urine trails.
Population
Stable
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Whiptails Genus
Kentropyx Species
Striped forest whiptail