Peters' lava lizard
A species of Galapagos lava lizards Scientific name : Tropidurus hispidus Genus : Galapagos lava lizards
Peters' lava lizard, A species of Galapagos lava lizards
Scientific name: Tropidurus hispidus
Genus: Galapagos lava lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
A close relative of iguanas, the peters' lava lizard is found all over Central and South America, preferring to live in sandy or rocky areas. They sometimes make their homes in urban or suburban yards. They are expert climbers, capable of scaling sheer cliffs, fences, and walls.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Peters' lava lizard primarily feeds on plants, with a special preference for succulent leaves and fruits. In addition, it has been known to consume insects occasionally, showcasing a slightly omnivorous inclination.
Appearance
Peters' lava lizard is a medium-sized lizard with a robust, slightly flattened body covered in small, pointed scales. Its overall coloration is gray-brown, frequently displaying darker spots or vertical stripes. As a distinct feature, male peters' lava lizard possess a broad, orange-red gular fold. Peters' lava lizard has no wings or horns, but it does have a long, tapering tail which is typically banded.
Behavior
Peters' lava lizard displays diurnal behavior, active during the daytime. A solitary species, it engages in territorial behavior, defending its space by posturing and chasing away intruders. It forages for food primarily on the ground, exhibiting adaptation to its dry, rocky habitat.
Population
Stable
Photo By Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Neotropical ground lizards Genus
Galapagos lava lizards Species
Peters' lava lizard