Pristidactylus torquatus

Pristidactylus torquatus
Conservation status
	; Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Leiosauridae
Genus:	Pristidactylus
Species:	P. torquatus
Binomial name
	Pristidactylus torquatus; (Philippi, 1861)

Pristidactylus torquatus, commonly known as lagarto de bosque, the southern grumbler, or the forest lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Iguanidae. The specific name is derived from the Latin "torquatus" meaning wearing a twisted collar or necklace. This species is endemic to the Bío Bío Region, the Araucanía Region and the Los Lagos Regions of Chile.

Description

Pristidactylus torquatus is a robust lizard with strong legs and a large head. The back is generally reddish-brown with large patches of grey and there is a dark collar around the throat. The underside is paler and the region round the vent is greenish-yellow. This lizard grows to a snout-to-vent length of about 6 to 11 cm (2.4 to 4.3 in).[2]

Distribution and habitat

Pristidactylus torquatus is endemic to Chile where it is found on the west side of the Andes between 35° and 42° south. The regions in which it is found are Biobío, La Araucania and Los Lagos. Its natural habitat is the extensive southern beech forests (Nothofagus) that grow in this temperate climate.[1]

Behaviour

Pristidactylus torquatus is a terrestrial species and is found mainly on the ground under the forest trees. It feeds chiefly on beetles which it chews up with its strong jaws. The female lays a clutch of about six eggs in a hole in the sand.[2]

References

Vidal, M., Garin, C., Victoriano, P., Avilés, R., Sallabery, N., Ortiz, J.C., Nunez, J. & Nunez, H. (2020). "Pristidactylus torquatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T178512A69943106.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
Chester, Sharon (2010). A Wildlife Guide to Chile: Continental Chile, Chilean Antarctica, Easter Island, Juan Fernandez Archipelago. Princeton University Press. p. 114. ISBN 9781400831500.

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[iucn-1] Vidal, M., Garin, C., Victoriano, P., Avilés, R., Sallabery, N., Ortiz, J.C., Nunez, J. & Nunez, H. (2020). "Pristidactylus torquatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T178512A69943106.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[Chester-2] Chester, Sharon (2010). A Wildlife Guide to Chile: Continental Chile, Chilean Antarctica, Easter Island, Juan Fernandez Archipelago. Princeton University Press. p. 114. ISBN 9781400831500.