Tropidurus oreadicus
A species of Galapagos lava lizards Scientific name : Tropidurus oreadicus Genus : Galapagos lava lizards
Tropidurus oreadicus, A species of Galapagos lava lizards
Scientific name: Tropidurus oreadicus
Genus: Galapagos lava lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Vanessa Salustriany , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Tropidurus oreadicus is a small lizard that originates in South America. The species is abundant in open vegetation habitats, where it usually moves on the ground and rocks. It feeds on arthropods and vertebrates, but also on plant material such as flowers. Females are larger than males.
General Info
Lifespan
7-10 years
Diet
Tropidurus oreadicus primarily functions as an omnivore, showing preference towards both plant and animal matter. Its diet is composed mostly of arthropods, supplemented with fruit and other foliage, demonstrating adaptation to resource availability.
Appearance
Tropidurus oreadicus is a medium-sized lizard, known for its robust and flattened body with bumpy, granular skin. It primarily exhibits a grey to brownish-grey coloration, with a distinct dark lateral stripe extending from its eye to its thigh. This lizard lacks any form of wings or horns but possesses a muscular tail. There's no significant difference in appearance between genders or due to age.
Behavior
Tropidurus oreadicus demonstrates a diurnal lifestyle, typically found on tree trunks where it forages for arthropods. This solitary species exhibits unique head-bobbing behaviors to communicate, with males engaging in territorial displays. For survival, tropidurus oreadicus basks publicly to regulate body temperature, a critical adaptation in its rocky, open-habitat ecosystem.
Photo By Vanessa Salustriany , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Neotropical ground lizards Genus
Galapagos lava lizards Species
Tropidurus oreadicus