Tuatara
A species of Tuataras Scientific name : Sphenodon punctatus Genus : Tuataras
Tuatara, A species of Tuataras
Scientific name: Sphenodon punctatus
Genus: Tuataras
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Description General Info
Photo By john_barkla , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Tuatara are reptiles endemic to New Zealand. Although resembling most lizards, they are part of a distinct lineage, the order Rhynchocephalia. Their name derives from the MÄori language, and means "peaks on the back". The single species of tuatara is the only surviving member of its order, which flourished around 200 million years ago. Their most recent common ancestor with any other extant group is with the squamates (lizards and snakes). For this reason, tuatara are...
General Info
Lifespan
60-100 years
Diet
Tuatara is primarily insectivorous, favoring invertebrates such as beetles, spiders, and snails. Occasionally, it also incorporates bird eggs and small vertebrates into its diet, taking advantage of the available resources.
Appearance
Tuatara is a reptile with an elongated body, reaching up to 80cm in length, and covered in rough, scaly skin. Its skin primarily displays greenish-brown hues, with patches of lighter colors. A distinct feature is its spiny tail, as well as a beak-like snout. The males are typically larger and have more pronounced crests along their necks and backs, setting them apart from the females.
Behavior
Tuatara, primarily a nocturnal creature, displays a solitary behavior, except during the mating season. They engage in combative rituals involving biting and tail-wrestling to establish territorial dominance. Tuatara's primary diet consists of invertebrates, which they hunt using their keen sense of smell. This species is characterized by a remarkably low body temperature, adapted for its cold, island habitat.
Scientific Classification
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