/
lizards.json
160 lines (160 loc) · 597 KB
/
lizards.json
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "nubKey": 5226308, "speciesKey": 102126551, "rank": "SPECIES", "orderKey": 102124471, "higherClassificationMap": {"102126550": "Agama Daudin, 1802", "102017110": null, "102124413": null, "102126549": null, "102124471": null, "101683523": null}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Red-headed Agama"}], "classKey": 102124413, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 102126549, "parent": "Agama Daudin, 1802", "kingdomKey": 101683523, "taxonID": "683024", "genusKey": 102126550, "canonicalName": "Agama agama", "key": 102126551, "authorship": "(Linnaeus, 1758)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 102017110, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "9ca92552-f23a-41a8-a140-01abaa31c931", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Agama agama (Linnaeus, 1758)", "parentKey": 102126550, "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Chamaeleonidae", "nubKey": 2449079, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2449079, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2449442": "Chamaeleo", "44": "Chordata", "9453": "Chamaeleonidae", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Chamaeleo laevigatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Smooth chameleon"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Smooth chameleon"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9453, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Chamaeleo", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119583995", "genusKey": 2449442, "canonicalName": "Chamaeleo laevigatus", "key": 2449079, "authorship": "Gray, 1863", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Chamaeleo laevigatus Gray, 1863", "genus": "Chamaeleo", "parentKey": 2449442, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "BUR-OO"}, {"description": "CAF-OO"}, {"description": "CMN-OO"}, {"description": "ERI-OO"}, {"description": "ETH-OO"}, {"description": "KEN-OO"}, {"description": "RWA-OO"}, {"description": "SUD-OO"}, {"description": "TAN-OO"}, {"description": "UGA-OO"}, {"description": "ZAM-OO"}, {"description": "The Smooth chameleon (Chamaeleo laevigatus) is a species of chameleon native to Africa. It is bluish-green and has small scales. Its body is very slender, and it looks similar to Chamaeleo senegalensis."}, {"description": "Found mostly in the lowlands, Chamaeleo laevigatus lives throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. Specimens have been found in Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Zambia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Cameroon."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Boidae", "nubKey": 2465029, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2465029, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2465022": "Gongylophis", "358": "Reptilia", "715": "Squamata", "2464897": "Boidae"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Gongylophis colubrinus", "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 2464897, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Gongylophis", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119585670", "genusKey": 2465022, "canonicalName": "Gongylophis colubrinus", "key": 2465029, "authorship": "Linnaeus, 1758", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Gongylophis colubrinus Linnaeus, 1758", "genus": "Gongylophis", "parentKey": 2465022, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Gongylophis colubrinus, the Kenyan sand boa,Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X. is a boa species found in northern Africa. No subspecies are currently recognized."}, {"description": "During the hotter times of the year, they seek refuge beneath stones and in the burrows of small mammals."}, {"description": "Egyptian sand boa, Kenyan sand boa, East African sand boa, sand boa."}, {"description": "Adult specimens are rarely more than 91\u00a0cm (3 feet) in length. These snakes are heavily built with small heads, small eyes, and short tails. The color pattern may consist of a yellow or orange coloration overlaid with dark brown splotches. The belly is white or cream colored.They are readily available in the pet trade due to their small size, docility and ease of care. In recent years there have been a number of new morphs made available by both commercial and hobby breeders. Some of the more popular morphs available include anerythristic Kenyan sand boas (black and white lacking orange/red simple recessive trait), albino Kenyan sand boas (lacking black pigment simple recessive), snow KSBs (double recessive combination of an anery and albino), stripes (normal colored, anerythristic, albino and snow), hypo/ghost anerythristic KSBs, paradox albinos (simple recessive), paradox snows (double recessive trait), splash (recessive) and stripe combinations with any of the listed recessive traits. In addition many line bred traits have been accentuated on the above morphs, such as Nuclears (extreme red), High Whites, Reduced Patterns as examples."}, {"description": "These snakes spend most of their time in shallow burrows with only their head exposed. They feed on small mammals that are quickly seized when passing within striking range and killed by constriction."}, {"description": "Found in northern Africa from Egypt as far west as Niger (A\u00efr), including Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, and northern Tanzania. A single specimen has been reported from Yemen. The type locality given is \"\u00c6gypto\""}, {"description": "Occurs in semi-desert and scrub savannahs and rock outcroppings. Prefers sandy, friable soil."}, {"description": "Viviparous,http://shop.reptilecollective.com/blogs/news/15508596-kenyan-sand-boas they breed readily November through April in the United States delivering live birth averaging 10-20 babies born spring through late summer.Huntley, Mark. 2012. SandBoaMorph.com\u2019s East African Sand Boa Care Guide, CreateSpace Publishing. 36 pp. ISBN 1481003429. ISBN 978-1481003421 The young at birth typically are 20\u201325\u00a0cm (8-10 inches) in length."}, {"description": "A synonym for this species is Eryx colubrinus, given by Linnaeus.Linnaeus, C. 1758. Systema natur\u00e6 per regna tria natur\u00e6, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata. Laurentii Salvii, Holmi\u00e6. 10th Edition: 824 pp. A.F. Stimson (1969) recognized two subspecies: Eryx colubrinus colubrinus and E. c. loveridgei Stull,Stull, O.G. 1932. Five new subspecies of the family Boidae. Occ. Pap. Boston Soc. nat. Hist. 8: 25-29 but mentioned that a number of other authors, including Loveridge (1936), Scortecci (1939), Parker (1949) and Ahl (1933), questioned whether E. c. loveridgei was valid and considered the species to be monotypic with geographic variation.When recognized, Gongylophis loveridgei is said to occur in the southern part of the range and is described as being more orange in color. Due to the length of time this species has been captive bred in the United States it is now difficult to determine their taxon solely by color due to cross breeding."}]}
{"numOccurrences": 0, "nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "synonym": false, "higherClassificationMap": {}, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "vernacularNames": [], "canonicalName": "Varanoidea", "taxonID": "10172374", "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Varanoidea M\u00fcnster, 1834", "descriptions": [{"description": "Also known by the more archaic term \"platynotans,\" the varanoids first appear in the fossil record in the latter part of Early Cretaceous, but possible varanoid ancestors have been traced back as far as Early Jurassic times. Among the earliest known varanoids are the monitor-like necrosaurids Palaeosaniwa canadensis from the Campanian (roughly 71-82 mya) of North America and Estesia mongoliensis and Telmasaurus grangeri, both from the Campanian of Mongolia. Varanoids survived the Cretaceous\u2013Paleogene extinction event and flourished worldwide during the Cenozoic Era. Current evidence strongly suggests that snakes evolved from an aquatic or burrowing varanoid ancestor, though much debate continues over precisely which lineage of varanoids.Carroll characterises the varanoids as \"the most advanced of all lizards in achieving large size and an active, predaceous way of life.\" Some taxa, such as the Gila monster (Heloderma) and the extinct necrosaurs are armoured with osteoderms (bony deposits on the skin), and many forms have hinged jaws, allowing them to dislocate and distended their jaws during feeding.Carroll, R. L. 1988. Vertebrate Paleontology and Evolution. W. H. Freeman and Co. NY. p. 232Molnar, R. E. 2004. Dragons in the Dust: The Paleobiology of the Giant Monitor Lizard Megalania. Indiana University Press (Bloomington/Indianapolis)"}, {"description": "Varanoidea is a superfamily of lizards, including the well-known family Varanidae (the monitors or goanna). Also included in the Varanoidea are such extinct marine and semi-aquatic forms as mosasaurs and dolichosaurs, the venomous helodermatids (Gila monsters and beaded lizards), the Lanthanotidae (earless monitor lizards), and the extinct Necrosauridae.Throughout their long evolutionary history, varanoids have exhibited great diversity both in habitat and form. This superfamily includes both the largest aquatic lizards known, the mosasaurs Tylosaurus and Mosasaurus (15+ metres in length), but also the largest-known terrestrial lizard, Megalania (5\u20136 meters), and the largest extant lizard, the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis, 3+ metres)."}], "key": 113684684, "habitats": [], "authorship": "M\u00fcnster, 1834", "nomenclaturalStatus": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "nubKey": 4968275, "accordingTo": "Paleobiology Database", "speciesKey": 4968275, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"1": "Animalia", "44": "Chordata", "6141972": "Kaganaias", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Kaganaias hakusanensis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Kaganaias"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Kaganaias", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "107691218", "genusKey": 6141972, "canonicalName": "Kaganaias hakusanensis", "key": 4968275, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Kaganaias hakusanensis", "genus": "Kaganaias", "parentKey": 6141972, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Kaganaias (meaning 'Kaga water nymph') is an extinct genus of mosasauroid lizard that lived in what is now Japan during the Early Cretaceous. Kaganaias was semi-aquatic and is the only known aquatic squamate to be found in Asia and is also the only known aquatic squamate known from before the Cenomanian stage of the Cretaceous. It is also the first to be found in an inland area, instead of on the coast where aquatic squamates are commonly found.Evans, S.E., Manabe, M., Noro, M., Isaji, S. & Yamaguchi, M. (2006). \"A Long-Bodied Lizard From The Lower Cretaceous Of Japan.\" Palaeontology, 49.6, 2006, pp. 1143\u20131165. Its generic name is derived from Kaga Province, the old name for the Ishikawa Prefecture where the specimens were found, while the species name hakusanensis comes from the mountain that gives its name to Hakusan the city near its find site. The geological formation in which the specimens were found, the Tetori Group, stands alongside the Tetori River and has been the site of numerous other finds including molluscs, dinosaurs, fish and pterosaurs.Although Kaganaias is known to be in the Mosasaur family, it is unclear where; it has been assigned to Platynota (Varanoidea) for the time being."}, {"description": "Kaganaias was small (roughly half a meter long), agile and had a long body. Like most of its semi-aquatic kind, Kaganaias had reduced limbs to aid in its aquatic activities. Kaganaias is known from two specimens; the holotype specimen was a partial skeleton, including numerous ribs, vertebrae and parts of the limbs and tail, whilst the secondary specimen had extra ribs and sections of the skull also, notably parts of the maxilla. The body of Kaganaias was both long and broad across the chest, but was predominantly flat. Despite being classified as a lizard, Kaganaias has numerous snake-like features. Sexual dimorphism may have been present in the species, but this is uncertain due to the paucity of data.Kaganaias lived in what was a fertile, inland swamp-like region of Japan, possibly a large floodplain which was covered with water for most of the year. The fossil itself was discovered by a construction team preparing to lay down a new tunnel through a fossil cliff in 1997.Kaganaias almost certainly moved through the water using a snake-like swimming motion, using its short hind legs to navigate. Kaganaias probably fed on other small vertebrates or molluscs which have been found in the surrounding area, but this has yet to be confirmed by the results of the examination of the fossil's faecal remains."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Cylindrophiidae", "nubKey": 2448602, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2448602, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2448589": "Cylindrophis", "5664": "Cylindrophiidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Cylindrophis ruffus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "red cylinder snake"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "red-tailed pipe snake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Red Cylinder Snake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Red-tailed Pipe Snake"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Rote Walzenschlange"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Rotschwanz-Walzenschlange"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5664, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Cylindrophis", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119584601", "genusKey": 2448589, "canonicalName": "Cylindrophis ruffus", "key": 2448602, "authorship": "Laurenti, 1768", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Cylindrophis ruffus Laurenti, 1768", "genus": "Cylindrophis", "parentKey": 2448589, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "CBD-OO"}, {"description": "CHH-OO"}, {"description": "CHS-FJ"}, {"description": "CHS-HK"}, {"description": "LAO-OO"}, {"description": "MYA-OO"}, {"description": "THA-OO"}, {"description": "VIE-OO"}, {"description": "It is found in Myanmar and southern China (Fujian, Hong Kong and on Hainan Island), south into Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, the Malay Peninsula and the East Indies to Indonesia (the Riau Archipelago, Sumatra, Bangka, Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, Buton and the Sula Islands. The type locality given is \"Surinami\" (possibly a mistake)."}, {"description": "The red-tailed pipe snake, red cylinder snake, or common pipe snake, Cylindrophis ruffus is a snake species found in Southeast Asia. No subspecies are currently recognized."}, {"description": "Adults can grow to 39 in (1 m) in length.Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. Dorling Kindersley. 624 pp. ISBN 0-7894-7764-5.The dorsal scales are smooth, in 19 or 21 rows, with 186-245 ventrals, which are not quite twice as large as the contiguous dorsal scales; the anal plate is divided, and five to 10 subcaudals.Boulenger, G.A. 1893. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume I. London. pp. 135-136."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gerrhosauridae", "nubKey": 6158971, "speciesKey": 113293065, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113293061": "Gerrhosauridae", "113225636": "Chordata", "113293063": "Gerrhosaurus"}, "species": "Gerrhosaurus major", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Sudan plated lizard"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113293061, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Gerrhosaurus", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "983130", "genusKey": 113293063, "canonicalName": "Gerrhosaurus major", "key": 113293065, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Gerrhosaurus major", "genus": "Gerrhosaurus", "parentKey": 113293063, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Plated lizards are usually docile and they tame quickly with regular handling. Being omnivores they enjoy eating live crickets and other insects and small amounts of chopped fruits and vegetables such as kale, carrots, mango and strawberries. Citrus fruit (e.g. orange) and other acidic fruits should be avoided as this can cause stomach ulcers and digestion problems. Some also treat their plated lizards with the occasional small pinkie mouse, depending on the size of the individual.These lizards grow to a length of 18\"-28\". They require at least a 50 gallon or larger terrarium and must have appropriate bedding and supplies. Their habitat must have a daytime temperature of 70-85\u00b0F with a localized basking spot with temperatures ranging from 95-100\u00b0F. The night-time temperature must be maintained at 60-75\u00b0F. They should also be provided with a high output (10%) UV lamp."}, {"description": "The Sudan plated lizard is a fairly large lizard, adult size is 45\u201370\u00a0cm, whereof the tail is less than half the length. They are somewhat squat with moderately broad tails.Being the most heavily plated of the Gerrhosaururidae, the species is easily recognised on the armour. The body and tail is covered in transverse bands of more or less square plate like scales, and head shields are fused to the skull. The armour makes the animals look a bit like the uncommon perception of Mesozoic reptiles.Coloration is grayish brown, males being larger than females with bright-coloured throat."}, {"description": "The Sudan Plated lizard is a diurnal reptile. This means they are active mostly during the day and sleep at night. Their natural habitat is rocky desert . When threatened, they will run for cover and wedge themselves in rocky crevices. With their heavy armour, this makes them almost invulnerable to predators.The Sudan Plated lizards are omnivores, living from a wide range of vegetable matter, insects and on occasion small vertebrates like other lizards and rodents."}, {"description": "Species Gerrhosaurus major Gerrhosaurus major major Gerrhosaurus major bottegoi"}, {"description": "Sudan plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus major), also known as the Western plated lizard, great plated lizard or rough-scaled plated Lizard is a lizard of the Gerrhosauridae family."}]}
{"nameType": "DOUBTFUL", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 2457770, "speciesKey": 113435038, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113434937, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113434991": "Colubridae", "113434208": "Sauropsida", "113301736": "Chordata", "113435036": "Lycophidion", "113434937": "Squamata"}, "species": "Lycophidion capense", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Cape wolf snake"}], "classKey": 113434208, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113434991, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Lycophidion", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "19142718", "genusKey": 113435036, "canonicalName": "Lycophidion capense", "key": 113435038, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Sauropsida", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Lycophidion capense Smith, 1831; Loveridge, 1929; Parker, 1949", "genus": "Lycophidion", "parentKey": 113435036, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Cape wolf snake (Lycophidion capense) is an oviparous, nonvenomous snake which occurs over a wide area of southern to central Africa.Biodiversity occurrence data provided by GBIF: (Accessed through GBIF Data Portal, www.gbif.net, 2008-09-02) The species contains a number of subspecies, including L. c. capense., 2007The wolf snake feeds mostly on lizards, which it bites and kills by constriction."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 5222429, "speciesKey": 113423130, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113423118": "Phrynosomatidae", "113423128": "Phrynosoma", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Phrynosoma coronatum", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Coast horned lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113423118, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phrynosoma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "2864059", "genusKey": 113423128, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma coronatum", "key": 113423130, "authorship": " (Blainville, 1835)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma coronatum (Blainville, 1835)", "genus": "Phrynosoma", "parentKey": 113423128, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard which can be found from Baja California north to California's Sacramento Valley. It is a widely divergent species with over 6 subspecies in their relatively small range. As a defense the lizard can shoot high pressure streams of blood out of its eyes if threatened.Hylton, Brodie"}, {"description": "The coast horned lizard appears rough and spiky but is actually smooth-skinned, although it has sharp spikes along its sides, back and head. It is a large species, and can reach 10\u00a0cm (4 inches) excluding the tail. It is less rounded than other horned lizards. It has two large dark blotches behind its head, followed by three broad bands on its body, with several smaller bands along the tail. Its colour can be various shades of brown, with cream 'accents' around the blotches and the outer fringe of its scales."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Elapidae", "nubKey": 2470351, "speciesKey": 113286422, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113284436, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113284374": "Reptilia", "113286123": "Elapidae", "113284436": "Squamata", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Naja naja", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Indian cobra"}], "classKey": 113284374, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113286123, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Elapidae", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "3598255", "canonicalName": "Naja naja", "key": 113286422, "authorship": " (Linnaeus, 1758)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Naja naja (Linnaeus, 1758)", "parentKey": 113286123, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Indian cobra's venom mainly contains a powerful post-synaptic neurotoxin and cardiotoxin. The venom acts on the synaptic gaps of the nerves, thereby paralyzing muscles, and in severe bites leading to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. The venom components include enzymes such as hyaluronidase that cause lysis and increase the spread of the venom. Envenomation symptoms may manifest between 15 minutes and 2 hours following the bite. In mice, the SC range for this species is 0.45\u00a0mg/kg \u2013 0.80\u00a0mg/kg. The average venom yield per bite is between 169 and 250\u00a0mg. Though it is responsible for many bites, only a small percentage are fatal if proper medical treatment and anti-venom are given. Mortality rate for untreated bite victims can vary from case to case, depending upon the quantity of venom delivered by the individual involved. According to one study, it is approximately 15\u201320%. but in another study, with 1,224 bite cases, the mortality rate was only 6.5%. The Indian cobra is one of the Big four snakes of South Asia (mostly India) which are responsible for the majority of human deaths by snakebite in Asia. Polyvalent serum is available for treating snakebites caused by this species.Snake-bites: a growing, global threat. BBC News (2011-02-22). Retrieved on 2013-01-03. Zedoary, a local spice with a reputation for being effective against snakebite, has shown promise in experiments testing its activity against cobra venom.The venom of young cobras has been used as a substance of abuse in India, with cases of snake charmers being paid for providing bites from their snakes. Though this practice is now seen as outdated, symptoms of such abuse include loss of consciousness, euphoria, and sedation."}, {"description": "The Indian cobra is classified under the genus Naja of the family Elapidae. The genus was first described by Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti in 1768. The species Naja naja was first described by the Swedish physician, zoologist, and botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. The genus Naja was split into several subgenera based on various factors, including morphology, diet, and habitat. Naja naja is part of the subgenus Naja, along with all the other species Asiatic cobras, including Naja kaouthia, Naja siamensis, Naja sputatrix, and the rest. Naja naja is considered to be the prototypical cobra species within the Naja subgenus, and within the entire Naja genus. The below cladogram illustrates the taxonomy and relationships among species of Naja: Taxonomic note The Oriental ratsnake Ptyas mucosus is often mistaken for the cobra; however this snake is much longer and can easily be distinguished by the more prominent ridged appearance of its body. Other snakes that resemble Naja naja are the banded racer Argyrogena fasciolata and the Indian smooth snake Coronella brachyura."}, {"description": "Indian cobras are oviparous and lay their eggs between the months of April and July. The female snake usually lays between 10 to 30 eggs in rat holes or termite mounds and the eggs hatch 48 to 69 days later. The hatchlings measure between 20 and in length. The hatchlings are independent from birth and have fully functional venom glands."}, {"description": "There are numerous myths about cobras in India, including the idea that they mate with ratsnakes.Snake myths. wildlifesos.comRudyard Kipling's short story \"Rikki-Tikki-Tavi\" features a pair of Indian cobras named Nag and Nagaina, whose names were probably inspired by the species' scientific name, Naja naja. Hinduism The spectacled cobra is greatly respected and feared, and even has its own place in Hindu mythology as a powerful deity. The Hindu god Shiva is often depicted with a cobra coiled around his neck, symbolizing his mastery over \"maya\" or the world-illusion. Vishnu is usually portrayed as reclining on the coiled body of Adishesha, the Preeminent Serpent, a giant snake deity with multiple cobra heads. Cobras are also worshipped during the Hindu festival of Nag Panchami. Snake charmingThe Indian cobra's celebrity comes from its popularity as a snake of choice for snake charmers. The cobra's dramatic threat posture makes for a unique spectacle as it appears to sway to the tune of a snake charmer's flute. Snake charmers with their cobras in a wicker basket are a common sight in many parts of India only during the Nag Panchami festival. The cobra is deaf to the snake charmer's pipe, but follows the visual cue of the moving pipe and it can sense the ground vibrations from the snake charmer's tapping. Sometimes, for the sake of safety, all the venom in cobra's teeth is removed. The snake-charmers sell the venom at a very high price. In the past Indian snake charmers also conducted cobra and mongoose fights. These gory fight shows, in which the snake was usually killed, are now illegal.Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960. indialawinfo.com"}, {"description": "Colouration and pattern The Indian cobra varies tremendously in colour and pattern throughout its range. The ventral scales or the underside colouration of this species can be grey, yellow, tan, brown, reddish or black. Dorsal scales of the Indian cobra may have a hood mark or colour patterns. The most common visible pattern is a posteriorly convex light band at the level of the 20th to 25th ventrals. Salt-and-pepper speckles, especially in adult specimens, are seen on the dorsal scales. Specimens, particularly those found in Sri Lanka may exhibit poorly defined banding on the dorsum. Ontogenetic colour change is frequently observed in specimens in the north-western parts of their geographic range (southern Pakistan and north-western India). In southern Pakistan, juvenile specimens may be grey in colour and may or may not have a hood mark. Adults on the other hand are typically uniformly black in colour on top (melanistic), while the underside, outside the throat region, is usually light. Patterns on the throat and ventral scales are also variable in this species. The majority of specimens exhibit a light throat area followed by dark banding, which can be 4-7 ventral scales wide. Adult specimens also often exhibit a significant amount of mottling on the throat and on the venter, which makes patterns on this species less clear relative to patterns seen in other species of cobra. With the exception of specimens from the north-west, there is often a pair of lateral spots on the throat where the ventral and dorsal scales meet. The positioning of these spots varies, with nort-western specimens having the spots positioned more anterior, while specimens from elsewhere in their range are more posterior. Many specimens exhibit a hood mark. This hood mark is located at the rear of the Indian cobra's hood. When the hood mark is present, are two circular ocelli patterns connected by a curved line, evoking the image of spectacles. Appearance and sizeThe Indian cobra is a moderately sized, heavy bodied species. This cobra species can easily be identified by its relatively large and quite impressive hood, which it expands when threatened. This species has a head, which is elliptical, depressed, and very slightly distinct from neck. The snout is short and rounded with large nostrils. The eyes are medium in size and the pupils are round. The majority of adult specimens range from 1 to in length. Some specimens, particularly those from Sri Lanka, may grow to lengths of 2.1 to, but this is relatively uncommon. ScalationDorsal scales are smooth and strongly oblique. Midbody scales are in 23 rows (21-25), with 171-197 ventrals. There are 48-75 divided subcaudals and the anal shield is single. There are 7 upper labials (3rd the largest and in contact with nasal anteriorly, 3rd and 4th in contact with eye) and 9-10 lower labials (small angular cuneate scale present between 4th and 5th lower labial), as well as 1 preocular in contact with internasals, and 3 postoculars. Temporals are 2 + 3."}, {"description": "Naja naja was first described by Swedish physician, zoologist, and botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. The generic name and the specific epithet naja is a Latinisation of the Sanskrit word ' () meaning \"cobra\".The Indian cobra or spectacled cobra, being common in South Asia, is referred to by a number of local names deriving from the root of Nag (\u0928\u093e\u0917) (Hindi, Oriya, Marathi, Urdu), Moorkan (Malayalam), Naya-\u0db1\u0dba\u0dcf (Sinhalese), Nagu Pamu (Telugu), Nagara Havu (Kannada), Naga Pambu or Nalla pambu (\u0ba8\u0bbe\u0b95\u0baa\u0bcd \u0baa\u0bbe\u0bae\u0bcd\u0baa\u0bc1/\u0ba8\u0bb2\u0bcd\u0bb2 \u0baa\u0bbe\u0bae\u0bcd\u0baa\u0bc1) (Tamil) \"Phetigom\" (Assamese) and Gokhra (\u0997\u09cb\u0996\u09b0\u09cb) (Bengali)."}, {"description": "Geographic range The Indian cobra is native to the Indian subcontinent and can be found throughout India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and southern Nepal. In India, it may or may not occur in the state of Assam, some parts of Kashmir, and it does not occur in high altitudes of over 2000 m and extreme desert regions. In Pakistan, it is absent in most of Balochistan province, parts of North-West Frontier Province, and desert areas elsewhere. The most westerly record comes from Duki, Balochistan in Pakistan, while the most easterly record is from the Tangail District in Bangladesh. As this species has been observed in Drosh, in the Chitral Valley, it may also occur in the Kabul River Valley in extreme eastern Afghanistan. There's been at least one report of this species occurring in Bhutan. HabitatThis species inhabits a wide range of habitats throughout its geographical range. It can be found in dense or open forests, plains, agricultural lands (rice paddy fields, wheat crops), rocky terrain, wetlands, and it can even be found in heavily populated urban areas such as villages and city outskirts, ranging from sea-level to 2000 m in altitude. This species is absent from true desert regions. The Indian cobra is often found in the vicinity of water. Preferred hiding locations are holes in embankments, tree hollows, termite mounds, rock piles and small mammal dens."}, {"description": "The Indian cobra (Naja naja) also known as the Spectacled cobra, Asian cobra or Binocellate cobra is a species of the genus Naja found in the Indian subcontinent and a member of the \"big four\", the four species which inflict the most snakebites on humans in India. This snake is revered in Indian mythology and culture, and is often seen with snake charmers. It is now protected in India under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972)."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "rank": "SUPERFAMILY", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113415521": "Squamata", "113415011": "Reptilia", "113301736": "Chordata"}, "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Squamata", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "1514188", "canonicalName": "Henophidia", "key": 113415530, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Henophidia", "parentKey": 113415521, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Aniliidae - coral pipe snakes and pipe snakes. Anomochilidae - dwarf pipe snakes. Boidae - boas (including sand boas) Bolyeriidae - Round Island boas. Cylindrophiidae - Asian pipe snakes. Loxocemidae - Mexican burrowing snake. Pythonidae - pythons Tropidophiidae - dwarf boas. Uropeltidae - shield-tailed snakes and short-tail snakes. Xenopeltidae - sunbeam snakes."}, {"description": "Henophidia comes from the Greek heno- meaning oneheno- at wordinfo.info or former and ophidia meaning serpent,-ophidia at wordinfo.info so former/older snakes (in contrast to Caenophidia, i.e. recent snakes)."}, {"description": "Henophidia is a superfamily of the suborder Serpentes (snakes) that contains boas, pythons and other snakes. Snakes belonging to superfamily Henophidia are considered to be more primitive than those belonging to the other superfamilies - namely, Typhlopoidea and Xenophidia."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Scincidae", "nubKey": 7190201, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 7190201, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "9115": "Scincidae", "2463981": "Eumeces", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Eumeces schneideri", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Berberskink"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Berberskink"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Schneider's Skink"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "T\u00fcpfelskink"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9115, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Eumeces", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119587562", "genusKey": 2463981, "canonicalName": "Eumeces schneideri", "key": 7190201, "authorship": "Daudin, 1802", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Eumeces schneideri Daudin, 1802", "genus": "Eumeces", "parentKey": 2463981, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "AFG-OO"}, {"description": "ALG-OO"}, {"description": "CYP-OO"}, {"description": "EGY-OO"}, {"description": "IRN-OO"}, {"description": "IRQ-OO"}, {"description": "LBS-LB"}, {"description": "LBS-SY"}, {"description": "LBY-OO"}, {"description": "NCS-DA"}, {"description": "PAK-OO"}, {"description": "PAL-IS"}, {"description": "PAL-JO"}, {"description": "SAU-OO"}, {"description": "SIN-OO"}, {"description": "TCS-AR"}, {"description": "TCS-AZ"}, {"description": "TCS-GR"}, {"description": "TKM-OO"}, {"description": "TUN-OO"}, {"description": "TUR-OO"}, {"description": "TZK-OO"}, {"description": "UZB-OO"}, {"description": "Eumeces schneideri, commonly known as Schneider's skink or the Berber skink, is a species of skink endemic to Central Asia, Western Asia, and North Africa."}, {"description": "Head moderate; snout short, obtuse. Nasal rather large, usually divided, in contact with the two anterior upper labials; no postnasal; 5 supraoculars, the three anterior in contact with the frontal; parietals entirely separated by the interparietal; 4 or 5 pairs of nuchals; ear-opening rather large, with 4 or 5 long pointed lobules anteriorly; 2 azygos postmentals. 22 to 28 scales round the middle of the body, perfectly smooth, the laterals smallest, those of the two median dorsal series very broad and larger than the ventrals. The length of the hind limb is contained 2.5 to 3 times in the length from snout to vent. When pressed against the body, the limbs just meet or fail to meet. A series of transversely enlarged subcaudals.Boulenger GA. 1890. The Fauna of British India, Including Ceylon and Burma. Reptilia and Batrachia. London: Secretary of State for India in Council. (Taylor and Francis, printers). xviii + 541 pp. (Eumeces schneideri, pp. 219-220). Olive-grey or brownish above, uniform or with irregular golden-yellow spots or longitudinal streaks; a yellowish lateral streak, extending from below the eye to the hind limb, is constant; lower surfaces yellowish white. Size: from snout to vent, 16.5 cm (6.5 inches); plus tail, 20 cm (8 inches)."}, {"description": "Both the specific name, schneideri, and one of the common names, Schneider's skink, are in honor of German zoologist, Johann Gottlob Theaenus Schneider.Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Eumeces schneideri, p. 237)."}, {"description": "Eastern Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sinai, Israel, Cyprus, Turkey, western Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iran (Kavir desert), Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Transcaucasia, Russia (Dagestan), Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, eastern Georgia, southern Armenia, Azerbaijan, Asia Minor, Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, northwestern India. Subspecies E. s. barani: Turkey (Anatolia). Subspecies E. s. pavimentatus: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria Subspecies E. s. princeps: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Caucasus Subspecies E. s. zarudnyi: southeastern Iranian Plateau in Kerman Province and Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran; Helmand Basin and southern desert regions of Afghanistan; Baluchistan and Mekran Coast of Pakistan. Type locality: Bazman, Iran (restricted by Taylor, 1935)."}, {"description": "Five subspecies are recognized, including the nominotypical subspecies. Eumeces schneideri barani Kumlutas et al., 2007 Eumeces schneideri pavimentatus (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827) Eumeces schneideri princeps (Eichwald, 1839) Eumeces schneideri schneideri (Daudin, 1802) Eumeces schneideri zarudnyi Nikolsky, 1900 Nota bene: A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Eumeces."}, {"description": "Der Berberskink (Eumeces schneideri (Syn.: Novoeumeces schneideri)), auch Schneiders Skink genannt, ist eine Echsenart, die von Nordwestafrika bis Nordwestindien verbreitet ist. Benannt wurde sie nach dem deutschen Naturforscher Johann Gottlob Theaenus Schneider."}, {"description": "Der Berberskink kommt in Halbw\u00fcsten und in trockenem Kulturland vor. Er ist tagaktiv und versteckt sich in der Nacht unter Steinen und B\u00fcschen. Als Nahrung dienen Insekten, Spinnen, Geh\u00e4useschnecken und Pflanzenteile.W\u00e4hrend der Paarungszeit sind sie territorial und gegeneinander aggressiv. Weibchen werden vom M\u00e4nnchen verfolgt und ihre Paarungsbereitschaft durch Lecken in der Kloakengegend gepr\u00fcft. F\u00fcnf bis sechs Wochen nach der Paarung legt das Weibchen drei bis zwanzig Eier an einer leicht feuchten Stelle ab. Die Jungskinke schl\u00fcpfen nach 8 bis 9 Wochen. Sie sind, abweichend von den ausgewachsenen Berberskinken, graubraun bis olivgrau gef\u00e4rbt und besitzen 8 bis 10 L\u00e4ngsreihen von wei\u00dfen Punkten. Der orangefarbene Streifen auf den K\u00f6rperseiten fehlt."}, {"description": "Der Berberskink erreicht je nach Unterart eine Gesamtl\u00e4nge von 32 bis 47 cm. Sein K\u00f6rper ist walzenf\u00f6rmig, die Beine kurz und st\u00e4mmig. Die Grundfarbe der Echsen ist br\u00e4unlich, die Seiten sind eher gelblich, der Bauch gelblich oder schmutzigwei\u00df. Auf der R\u00fcckenseite und den Flanken der Echsen finden sich unregelm\u00e4\u00dfig oder in Reihen angeordnete orangerote Flecken oder gelbe, schwarz umrandete Schuppen. Die Ohr\u00f6ffnungen k\u00f6nnen beim W\u00fchlen im Boden verschlossen werden."}, {"description": "Eumeces schneideri aldrovandii ( 1839) Eumeces schneideri barani 2007; Anatolien Eumeces schneideri pavimentatus ( 1827); Syrien, Libanon, Jordanien Eumeces schneideri princeps 1839; Armenien, Aserbaidschan, Kaukasus Eumeces schneideri schneideri () Eumeces schneideri zarudnyi ( 1900)"}, {"description": "Das Verbreitungsgebiet reicht von Algerien \u00fcber Tunesien, Libyen und \u00c4gypten bis nach Anatolien, Saudi-Arabien, Dagestan, Usbekistan, Tadschikistan und Nordwestindien. Auch auf Zypern kommt der Berberskink vor."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Agamidae", "nubKey": 3238353, "rank": "GENUS", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113415521": "Squamata", "113415011": "Reptilia", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415539": "Agamidae"}, "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Leiolepidinae (subfamily)Leiolepis (genus)"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113415539, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Agamidae", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "326912", "genusKey": 113415785, "canonicalName": "Leiolepis", "key": 113415785, "authorship": "Cuvier, 1829", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Leiolepis Cuvier, 1829", "genus": "Leiolepis", "parentKey": 113415539, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "At least eight species are recognized:Leiolepis, The Reptile Database Sexual species Common butterfly lizard - L. belliana (Hardwicke & Gray, 1827) L. b. rubritaeniata Giant butterfly lizard, spotted butterfly lizard - L. guttata (Cuvier, 1829) Burmese butterfly lizard - L. peguensis Peters, 1971 Chinese butterfly lizard, Reeves' butterfly lizard - L. reevesii (Gray, 1831) Asexual species B\u00f6hme\u2019s butterfly lizard - L. boehmei Darevsky & Kupriyanova, 1993 Peters\u2019 butterfly lizard - L. guentherpetersi Darevsky & Kupriyanova, 1993 Ngo Van Tri's lady butterfly lizard - L. ngovantrii Grismer & Grismer, 2010Grismer, J.L. and Grismer, L.L. 2010. Who\u2019s your mommy? Identifying maternal ancestors of asexual species of Leiolepis Cuvier, 1829 and the description of a new endemic species of asexual Leiolepis Cuvier, 1829 from Southern Vietnam. Zootaxa. 2433: 47\u201361. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/z02433p061f.pdf Thai butterfly lizard, Malayan butterfly lizard - L. triploida Peters, 1971"}, {"description": "Butterfly lizards are popular in the pet trade."}, {"description": "Leiolepis, commonly known as butterfly lizards or butterfly agamas (), are group of agamid lizards of which very little is known. They are native to Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. They are terrestrial lizards and prefer to live in arid, open regions. Leiolepis is the sole genus of subfamily Leiolepidinae."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Chamaeleonidae", "nubKey": 2449133, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2449133, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2449442": "Chamaeleo", "44": "Chordata", "9453": "Chamaeleonidae", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Chamaeleo calyptratus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Jemencham\u00e4leon"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "veiled chameleon"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Jemen Cham\u00e4leon"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Veiled Chameleon"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Cone-headed Chameleon"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Veiled Chameleon"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Yemen Chameleon"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9453, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Chamaeleo", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119583972", "genusKey": 2449442, "canonicalName": "Chamaeleo calyptratus", "key": 2449133, "authorship": "Dum\u00e9ril & Dum\u00e9ril, 1851", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Chamaeleo calyptratus Dum\u00e9ril & Dum\u00e9ril, 1851", "genus": "Chamaeleo", "parentKey": 2449442, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "YEM-NY"}, {"description": "YEM-SY"}, {"description": "The veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is a species of chameleon native to the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Other common names include cone-head chameleon and Yemen chameleon."}, {"description": "This chameleon lives in a number of habitat types in its native range, including plateaus, mountains, and valleys. Like other chameleons, it is arboreal, living in trees and other large plants. It prefers warmer temperatures, generally between 75\u00b0 to 95\u00b0F (24\u00b0 to 35\u00b0C).The veiled chameleon is an omnivore. It favors insects, and it also eats plant matter, especially as a source of water.The life span is about 5 years for females, and up to 8 years for males. They reach sexual maturity at four to five months. They breed more than once a year. The female lays large clutches of up to 85 eggs and buries them in sand. The eggs are white with a tough skin. The embryos experience a diapause, a length of time when they are dormant in the egg before they begin developing. Increasing temperatures in the substrate initiate development.Andrews, R. M. and S. Donoghue. (2004). Effects of temperature and moisture on embryonic diapause of the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). Journal of Experimental Zoology 301A 629-35.Males display for females during courtship, performing behaviors such as \"head rolls\" and \"chin rubs\". Females change color when they are receptive to breeding, and males are more likely to court them during this time."}, {"description": "The male is 43 to 61 centimeters long from the snout to the tip of the tail. The female is shorter, no more than about 35 centimeters, but it has a thicker body. Both sexes have a casque on the head which grows larger as the chameleon matures, reaching about 5 centimeters in the largest adults. Newly hatched young are pastel green in color and develop stripes as they grow. Adult females are green with white, orange, yellow, or tan mottling. Adult males are brighter with more defined bands of yellow or blue and some mottling.Veiled Chameleon. Smithsonian National Zoological Park.Coloration can be affected by several factors, including social status. In experimental conditions, young veiled chameleons reared in isolation are darker and duller in color that those raised with other individuals.Ballen, C., et al. (2014). Effects of early social isolation on the behaviour and performance of juvenile lizards, Chamaeleo calyptratus. Animal Behaviour 88 1-6. Females change color across their reproductive cycles.Kelso, E. C. and P. A. Verrell. (2002). Do male veiled chameleons, Chamaeleo calyptratus, adjust their courtship displays in response to female reproductive status? Ethology 108(6) 495-512. Chameleons also change color when stressed."}, {"description": "The veiled chameleon is the most common Chamaeleo species in the pet trade. It is easy to breed and prolific in its egg production. It tolerates a range of conditions and survives well in captivity."}, {"description": "This chameleon is an introduced species in Hawaii, where it is invasive in the local ecosystem. There is a breeding population established on Maui.Detecting the Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) on Maui: Enhancing Control of an Injurious Species. First Progress Report. Maui Invasive Species Committee. It can also be found in the wild in Florida, where escaped pets have established populations."}, {"description": "Das Jemencham\u00e4leon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) z\u00e4hlt mit \u00fcber 60\u00a0Zentimetern Maximall\u00e4nge zu den gr\u00f6\u00dfer werdenden Vertretern der Familie Chamaeleonidae und geh\u00f6rt innerhalb der Gattung Chamaeleo zur Untergattung Chamaeleo, die von der Untergattung Triocerus unterschieden wird."}, {"description": "Portr\u00e4t eines M\u00e4nnchens Je nach lokaler Herkunft werden die M\u00e4nnchen 35 bis gut 60, die Weibchen 20 bis 45\u00a0Zentimeter lang. Die adulten Tiere tragen eine seitlich abgeplatteten, spitz nach hinten laufenden, helmartig wirkenden Paritalkamm auf dem Kopf. Dieser Helm ist bei den M\u00e4nnchen mit bis zu acht Zentimetern H\u00f6he nicht nur deutlich gr\u00f6\u00dfer, sondern auch viel auff\u00e4lliger als der der Weibchen. Au\u00dferdem bildet sich bei ihnen an den Fersen der Hinterbeine ein charakteristischer Fersensporn, welcher bei jungen M\u00e4nnchen schon bald nach dem Schl\u00fcpfen als Beule zu erkennen ist. Im Laufe des Wachstums kommt noch eine Verdickung des Schwanzbereiches an der Kloake hinzu. Die F\u00e4rbung beider Geschlechter ist in erster Linie abh\u00e4ngig von der Stimmung und variiert sehr stark. Das Farbspektrum ihrer Chromatophoren umfasst gr\u00fcn, braun, blau, wei\u00df, schwarz, gelb und orange, sowie viele Zwischent\u00f6ne. Die Grundf\u00e4rbung der M\u00e4nnchen wird oft von Gr\u00fcnt\u00f6nen dominiert. Dabei sind meist drei, seltener vier oder f\u00fcnf vertikale, breite, gelbe, h\u00e4ufig d\u00fcnn braun gerandete Streifen auf den Flanken zu sehen. Diese k\u00f6nnen durch horizontale dunklere (braune) Flecken verbunden sein. Die Weibchen zeigen oft eher blassgr\u00fcne bis braune T\u00f6ne, h\u00e4ufig mit unregelm\u00e4\u00dfigen gelben Flecken. Der K\u00f6rperbau, insbesondere die typischen Anpassungen von Augen, Zunge, Schwanz und Beinen, entsprechen dem f\u00fcr Chamaeleonidae typischen Bau."}, {"description": "Das Jemencham\u00e4leon besitzt den Schutzstatus des Washingtoner Artenschutz-\u00dcbereinkommens II, Anhang B und ist daher bei Erwerb f\u00fcr den Terrarienhalter meldepflichtig. In der Schweiz ben\u00f6tigt man eine Haltebewilligung, die beim Bundesamt f\u00fcr Veterin\u00e4rswesen (BVET) beantragen werden muss sowie einen Sachkundenachweis in Terraristik. Beim Erwerb ist der Verk\u00e4ufer verpflichtet, dem K\u00e4ufer diese Meldepflicht mitzuteilen."}, {"description": "In einem Terrarium gehaltenes Jemencham\u00e4leon bei der H\u00e4utung Das Jemencham\u00e4leon gilt im Vergleich zu seinen Verwandten als relativ einfach zu halten. Es wurde bereits 1987 von Haikal nachgezogen und ist seitdem in Zucht. Die derzeit in Terrarien verbreiteten Tiere lassen sich keiner nat\u00fcrlich vorkommenden Lokalform oder Unterart mehr zuordnen und sind durch deren Vermischung entstanden.Die Sommertemperatur im f\u00fcr Weibchen wenigsten einen Drittel Kubikmeter gro\u00dfen, f\u00fcr M\u00e4nnchen besser doppelt so gro\u00dfen Terrarium sollte zwischen 26 und 28\u00a0Grad Celsius liegen, wobei nachts eine Temperaturabsenkung auf bis zu 16 und 20 Grad Celsius w\u00fcnschenswert ist, im Winter sind Tags\u00fcber 18 - 20 Grad Celsius und Nachts 12 - 14 Grad Celsius empfehlenswert. Ein au\u00dferhalb des Terrariums angebrachter Spotstrahler ist f\u00fcr die Bildung einer W\u00e4rmezone mit bis zu 40\u00a0Grad Celsius zu empfehlen. In der Winterperiode (zwei bis drei Monate) sind 20 bis 25\u00a0Grad Celsius angebracht; hier reicht es im Regelfall aus, den Spotstrahler nur ein bis zwei Stunden t\u00e4glich zu betreiben. Die t\u00e4gliche Beleuchtungsdauer ist der im nat\u00fcrlichen Habitat des Jemencham\u00e4leons anzupassen und sollte im Sommer 12 bis 13\u00a0Stunden, im Winter 10 bis 11\u00a0Stunden betragen. Ungefiltertes (also nicht durch Glas eintretendes) Sonnenlicht oder spezielle Terrarien-Leuchtstofflampen sollten f\u00fcr ausreichend UV Strahlung sorgen. Eine freie Haltung im Zimmer (auf einer gro\u00dfen Pflanze oder miteinander verbundenen Ampelpflanzen) ist ebenfalls m\u00f6glich, wenn f\u00fcr entsprechende Temperaturen und Beleuchtung gesorgt ist. Der Lebensraum der Cham\u00e4leons sollte t\u00e4glich zweimal bespr\u00fcht werden. Das Futter ist mit Vitaminen (besonders Vitamin D3) und Mineralstoffen (besonders Calcium und Phosphor) anzureichern. Dies gilt insbesondere f\u00fcr im Wachstum befindliche Jungtiere. Den adulten Cham\u00e4leons wird nur alle zwei bis drei Tage tierisches Futter gereicht. Dadurch kann verhindert werden, dass Weibchen zu oft Eier ansetzen oder gar durch die Entwicklung unbefruchteter Eier in Legenot geraten. Weibchen lassen sich in ger\u00e4umigen Terrarien oft gemeinsam halten. Paarweise Haltung gelingt nur selten dauerhaft und ist erst zu versuchen, wenn die Weibchen ein Alter von einem Jahr erreicht haben, um zu fr\u00fche Tr\u00e4chtigkeit zu verhindern. Tr\u00e4chtige Weibchen m\u00fcssen vom M\u00e4nnchen getrennt werden und in ein Terrarium mit mindestens 30\u00a0Zentimeter tiefem, leicht feuchtem Bodengrund \u00fcberf\u00fchrt werden."}, {"description": "Die Art bewohnt ein ausgedehntes und klimatisch heterogenes Verbreitungsgebiet im S\u00fcden der arabischen Halbinsel. In diesem haben sich verschiedene farblich und auch in der Gr\u00f6\u00dfe deutlich voneinander abweichende Lokalformen entwickelt, wobei die im Norden lebenden die s\u00fcdlichen Formen an Gr\u00f6\u00dfe und Farbigkeit \u00fcbertreffen.Wolfgang Schmidt, Klaus Tamm, Erich Wallikewitz: Cham\u00e4leons. Drachen unserer Zeit. 5. Auflage. Natur- und Tier-Verlag, M\u00fcnster 2009, ISBN 978-3-931587-03-1. Ihre systematische Stellung bedarf noch der Kl\u00e4rung. Sie besiedeln z.\u00a0T. recht unterschiedliche Lebensr\u00e4ume. Man findet die Tiere sowohl in den trockenen vegetationsarmen Hochebenen Jemens und Saudi-Arabiens als auch in den vegetationsreichen Bergh\u00e4ngen S\u00fcdjemens.Ingo Kober: Haltung und Vermehrung des Jemencham\u00e4leons. In: DATZ. Nr. 12, 2001, S. 14\u201319. Selbst im tropisch bis subtropischen Klima der zu Saudi-Arabien geh\u00f6renden Provinz Asir, mit 2000\u00a0Millimetern Jahresniederschlag das feuchteste und vegetationsreichste Gebiet der Arabischen Halbinsel, gibt es Jemencham\u00e4leons, hier vertreten in der Unterart Chamaeleo calyptratus calcalifer.Manfred Rogner: Echsen. Haltung, Pflege und Zucht im Terrarium. Band 1: Geckos, Flossenf\u00fc\u00dfe, Agamen, Cham\u00e4leons und Leguane. Ulmer, Stuttgart 1992, ISBN 3-8001-7248-8."}, {"description": "Die Tiere leben auf Akazien und Euphorbien, halten sich aber auch auf Nutzpflanzen oder auf dem Boden auf. Den Tag verbringen sie meist in ein bis drei Meter H\u00f6he. Nachts klettern sie oft an die Enden h\u00f6her gelegener \u00c4ste.Manfred Rogner: Echsen. Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart 2008. ISBN 3-8001-7248-8 Revierverhalten und Aggressivit\u00e4tWeibchen Die M\u00e4nnchen sind typische Einzelg\u00e4nger, die ihr Revier gegen jedes andere M\u00e4nnchen verteidigen. Bei Auseinandersetzungen zeigen sie eine typische Drohzeichnung. Die Tiere flachen ihre K\u00f6rper ab und bl\u00e4hen den Kehlsack auf. Sie nicken mit dem Kopf, geben bei ge\u00f6ffnetem Maul zischende Laute von sich und rollen die Schw\u00e4nze ein und aus. Der K\u00f6rper schwankt langsam hin und her und offenbart dabei die grellsten Farben. Bringt dieses Imponierverhalten nicht den gew\u00fcnschten Effekt, kann es zu Auseinandersetzungen kommen, in deren Verlauf sich die Tiere ernsthaft verletzen k\u00f6nnen. Dies passiert insbesondere, wenn dem unterlegenen M\u00e4nnchen die R\u00fcckzugsm\u00f6glichkeit fehlt. Schon vier Monate alte M\u00e4nnchen verhalten sich untereinander aggressiv. Weibchen sind untereinander vertr\u00e4glicher. Ern\u00e4hrungWie alle Cham\u00e4leons sind Jemencham\u00e4leons in erste Linie Kleintierfresser. Dabei werden vor allem die unterschiedlichsten Insekten in bekannter Cham\u00e4leonmanier mit der Zunge \u201egeschossen\u201c. Allerdings werden auch Wirbeltiere bis zur Gr\u00f6\u00dfe halbw\u00fcchsiger M\u00e4use nicht verschm\u00e4ht. Neben der tierischen Kost wird pflanzliche Nahrung aufgenommen, besonders in Form sukkulenter Bl\u00e4tter, wie der verschiedener Kalanchoe-Arten. Diese pflanzliche Nahrung dient unter anderem zur Erg\u00e4nzung des Wasserhaushalts, wobei auch Wasser, so in den meist steppenartigen Habitaten vorhanden, getrunken wird. Meist wird es als Tau von Bl\u00e4ttern abgeleckt. In den ersten Monaten ben\u00f6tigen Jemencham\u00e4leons besonders viel Nahrung, da sie in diesem Zeitraum extrem schnell wachsen. So k\u00f6nnen vier Monate alte M\u00e4nnchen in Einzelf\u00e4llen schon auf 30\u00a0Zentimeter L\u00e4nge herangewachsen sein. FortpflanzungTrifft ein M\u00e4nnchen auf ein Weibchen, plattet es seinen K\u00f6rper maximal ab, schaukelt hin und her, rollt den Schwanz rhythmisch auf und ab und zeigt dabei ein pr\u00e4chtiges Balzkleid. Ist das Weibchen nicht zur Paarung bereit, f\u00e4rbt es sich intensiv dunkel und droht dem M\u00e4nnchen mit offenem Maul. Zieht sich dieses daraufhin nicht zur\u00fcck, kann es vom Weibchen ernsthaft verletzt werden, wobei es sich selbst nicht verteidigt, da es durch eine Art Bei\u00dfhemmung blockiert ist. In der Natur ist das Weibchen einmal im Jahr paarungsbereit. Dies ist dann an einer t\u00fcrkisblauen F\u00e4rbung im oberen R\u00fcckenbereich zu erkennen. Das balzende M\u00e4nnchen \u00fcberholt das nur langsam fl\u00fcchtende, paarungsbereite Weibchen und versetzt diesem heftige St\u00f6\u00dfe in die Flanke. Die sich mehrmals t\u00e4glich wiederholenden Paarungen dauern zwischen 10 und 30 Minuten und finden in einem Zeitraum von meist drei bis vier Tagen, in Ausnahmef\u00e4llen auch zwei Wochen, statt.tr\u00e4chtiges Weibchen Die sich anschlie\u00dfende Tr\u00e4chtigkeit wird vom Weibchen durch gelbe und t\u00fcrkisblaue Flecken auf einer dunkelgr\u00fcnen, fast schwarzen Grundfarbe angezeigt. Nach einer durchschnittlichen Dauer von 20 bis 30\u00a0Tagen, in Ausnahmen bis zu 50\u00a0Tagen, gr\u00e4bt das Weibchen eine tunnelf\u00f6rmige H\u00f6hle, an deren Ende die im Schnitt 30 bis 40 (maximal bis zu 100), etwa 15\u00a0Millimeter langen und 10\u00a0Millimeter breiten Eier abgelegt werden. Danach wird diese H\u00f6hle verschlossen. Je nach Temperatur (20 bis 30\u00a0Grad Celsius) schl\u00fcpfen die 55 bis 75\u00a0Millimeter langen Jungtiere nach f\u00fcnf bis neun Monaten. Bei konstant 28\u00a0Grad Celsius schl\u00fcpfen nach etwa sechs Monaten M\u00e4nnchen und Weibchen, w\u00e4hrend bei einer Inkubationstemperatur von st\u00e4ndig \u00fcber 30\u00a0Grad Celsius fast nur M\u00e4nnchen schl\u00fcpfen. Hier liegt offensichtlich eine temperaturabh\u00e4ngige Geschlechtsausbildung (TAGA) vor. Au\u00dferdem scheinen die Jungtiere ihren Schlupf zu koordinieren beziehungsweise zu synchronisieren, da meist alle Tiere eines Geleges am selben Tag schl\u00fcpfen. Geteilte, aber unter gleichen Bedingungen inkubierte Gelege schl\u00fcpfen oft an v\u00f6llig unterschiedlichen Tagen.G\u00fcnter Masurat: Vermehrung von Cham\u00e4leons. Grundlagen, Anleitungen, Erfahrungen., Herpeton, Offenbach 2005, ISBN 3-936180-06-7."}, {"description": "Sascha Esser, Oliver Drewes: Das Jemencham\u00e4leon. Chamaeleo calyptratus. Vivaria-Verlag, Meckenheim 2009, ISBN 978-3-9810-4128-6. Ingo Kober, Andreas Ochsenbein: Jemencham\u00e4leon und Panthercham\u00e4leon. Pflege, Zucht und Lebensweise. 2. Auflage. Kirschner & Seufer, Rheinstetten 2009, ISBN 978-3-940376-01-5. Wolfgang Schmidt: Chamaeleo calyptratus. Das Jemencham\u00e4leon. 7. Auflage. Natur-und-Tier-Verlag, M\u00fcnster 2010, ISBN 978-3-86659-087-8. Carsten Schneider: Nachzucht des Jemencham\u00e4leons (Chamaeleo calyptratus, DUM\u00c9RIL & DUM\u00c9RIL 1851). In: Elaphe. Bd. 14, Nr. 2, 2006, , S. 23\u201331. Carsten Schneider: Das Jemencham\u00e4leon. Chamaeleo calyptratus. 2. Auflage. Natur-und-Tier-Verlag, M\u00fcnster 2008, ISBN 978-3-9372-8585-6."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gerrhosauridae", "nubKey": 2451553, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2451553, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2451552": "Cordylosaurus", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "5667": "Gerrhosauridae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Cordylosaurus subtessellatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "dwarf plated lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Dwarf Plated Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5667, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Cordylosaurus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119584289", "genusKey": 2451552, "canonicalName": "Cordylosaurus subtessellatus", "key": 2451553, "authorship": "Smith, 1844", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Cordylosaurus subtessellatus Smith, 1844", "genus": "Cordylosaurus", "parentKey": 2451552, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "ANG-OO"}, {"description": "CPP-NC"}, {"description": "CPP-WC"}, {"description": "NAM-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "DOUBTFUL", "family": "Scincidae", "nubKey": 2461498, "speciesKey": 113424227, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113415521": "Squamata", "113424210": "Niveoscincus", "113423785": "Scincidae", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Niveoscincus pretiosus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Tasmanian Tree Skink"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113423785, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Niveoscincus", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "15819070", "genusKey": 113424210, "canonicalName": "Niveoscincus pretiosus", "key": 113424227, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Niveoscincus pretiosus (O\u2019Shaughnessy, 1874)", "genus": "Niveoscincus", "parentKey": 113424210, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Agile Cool-skink or Tasmanian Tree Skink (Niveoscincus pretiosus) is a species of skink in the Scincidae family. It is endemic to Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands. It is viviparous, and may be found in a wide variety of habitats, from tall forests to rocky coastlines.Wildlife of Tasmania \u2013 Tasmanian Tree SkinkCogger, H.G. (1979). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed: Sydney. ISBN 0-589-50108-9"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 6161785, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 6161776, "rank": "SUBSPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "6161776": "Coluber constrictor", "1": "Animalia", "2458634": "Coluber", "6172": "Colubridae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Coluber constrictor", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Tan Racer"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Tan Racer"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 6172, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Coluber constrictor", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119592040", "genusKey": 2458634, "canonicalName": "Coluber constrictor etheridgei", "key": 6161785, "authorship": "Wilson, 1970", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Coluber constrictor etheridgei Wilson, 1970", "genus": "Coluber", "parentKey": 6161776, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Coluber constrictor etheridgei, commonly known as the tan racer, is a nonvenomous colubrid snake, a subspecies of the eastern racer (Coluber constrictor). It is endemic to the southern United States."}, {"description": "Like all racers, the tan racer is diurnal and highly active. Their diet consists of a wide variety of prey, but primarily includes rodents, and lizards. They are fast moving, and generally seek to use their speed to escape if approached."}, {"description": "The tan racer, as its name implies, is typically a solid tan brown in color. Juveniles have a pattern of dark brown dorsal blotches, which fade to solid tan at about a year of age. The underside is typically gray or white, sometimes with yellow spotting. They typically grow from .75 - 1.5 m (30 to 60\u00a0inches) in length. They have large eyes, with round pupils, and excellent vision."}, {"description": "The subspecific name or epithet, etheridgei, is in honor of the American zoologist and paleontologist Richard Emmett Etheridge."}, {"description": "It is found in Louisiana and Texas."}, {"description": "The tan racer prefers habitats of pine flatwoods."}, {"description": "Mating occurs in the spring, and a clutch of approximately 30 eggs is laid typically in the month of May, to hatch mid summer."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Lacertidae", "nubKey": 6159197, "speciesKey": 113422391, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113422095": "Lacertidae", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113422362": "Lacerta", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Lacerta trilineata", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Balkan green lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113422095, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Lacerta", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "12505871", "genusKey": 113422362, "canonicalName": "Lacerta trilineata", "key": 113422391, "authorship": "Bedriaga, 1886", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Lacerta trilineata Bedriaga, 1886", "genus": "Lacerta", "parentKey": 113422362, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) is a species of lizard in the Lacertidae family. It is found in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, and Turkey. Its natural habitats are Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, plantations, and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Iguanidae", "nubKey": 5224625, "speciesKey": 113299801, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113299648, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113299648": "Squamata", "113299800": "Brachylophus", "113299799": "Iguanidae", "113298721": "Sauropsida", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Brachylophus fasciatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Fiji banded iguana"}], "classKey": 113298721, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113299799, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Brachylophus", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "3763847", "genusKey": 113299800, "canonicalName": "Brachylophus fasciatus", "key": 113299801, "authorship": " (Brongniart, 1800)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Sauropsida", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Brachylophus fasciatus (Brongniart, 1800)", "genus": "Brachylophus", "parentKey": 113299800, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "This species was first described by French zoologist Alexandre Brongniart in 1800.Brongniart,Alexandre. (1800). Essai d'une classification naturelle des reptiles. Bull. Soc. Philomath. 2 (36): 89\u201391 The generic name, Brachylophus, is derived from two Greek words: brachys (\u03b2\u03c1\u03b1\u03c7\u03cd\u03c2) meaning \"short\" and lophos (\u03bb\u03cc\u03c6\u03bf\u03c2) meaning \"crest\" or \"plume\", denoting the short spiny crests along the back of this species. The specific name, fasciatus, is a Latin word meaning \"banded\".This species is closely related to the Fiji crested iguana and B. bulabula. The genus Brachylophus has been suggested to have descended from a more widespread lineage of (now extinct) Old World iguanids that diverged from their New World relatives in the Paleogene. However, no other members of the putative lineage, living or fossil, have been found outside Fiji and Tonga. An alternative theory is that the ancestors of these iguanas rafted 9000\u00a0km west across the Pacific Ocean from the Americas, where their closest relatives are found."}, {"description": "Courtship is similar to other iguanids, with males approaching and tongue flicking the female's back, forelimbs and nuchal regions after a series of rapid head bobs. The breeding season occurs during the month of November. The Fiji banded iguana is oviparous and has a long incubation period of 160\u2013170 days. Females guard the nest of three to six eggs, which is unusual for iguanids. Hatchlings emerge from their eggs in the rainy season and obtain moisture by licking wet leaves."}, {"description": "FolkloreThe Fijian name for iguana is \"vokai\", although some tribes call it \"saumuri\". Two tribes regard the iguana as their totem and as such its name is not allowed to be mentioned in the presence of women or the offender may be beaten with a stick. The majority of Fijians, however, are terrified of iguanas because of their behavior when threatened. On such occasions, an iguana turns black, opens its mouth and lunges at attackers. ThreatsThe biggest threats this iguana faces is habitat loss due to fires, storms, agricultural development, and competition from feral goats. A secondary threat is introduced predators in the forms of rats, mongoose, and cats which prey on the iguanas and their eggs. Additionally the iguana has been hunted as a food source and for the illegal exotic animal trade. CaptivitySince 1982 the Fijian government has maintained that the entire zoo population of Fiji banded iguanas was obtained illegally or descended from smuggled animals: \"Virtually all of the estimated 50\u2013100 banded iguanas in American zoos have been obtained without the knowledge or consent of the Government of Fiji\". The husbandry of Fiji banded iguanas at the San Diego Zoo has been documented as the most successful breeding colony of Fiji banded iguanas in the world."}, {"description": "The Fiji banded iguana is endemic to the Fiji Islands and is found on the islands of Wakaya, Moturiki, Beqa, Vatulele, Ono, Dravuni, Taveuni, Nggamea, Vanua, Balavu, Avea, Vatu Vara, Lakeba, Aiwa, Oneata, Vanua Levu, Totoya, Kabara, and Fulaga. It was introduced to the Tonga Islands, New Hebrides, and Wallis and Futuna 300 years ago. It has been introduced to Vanuatu as a feral animal in the 1960s. The current wild population is less than 10,000 individuals in 29 distinct subpopulations. Fiji banded iguanas inhabit most of the undisturbed habitats on these islands, from high cloud forests to low-lying coastal swamps."}, {"description": "Fiji banded iguanas are herbivorous,they feed on the leaves, fruit, and flowers of trees and shrubs, particularly hibiscus flowers of the Vau tree (Hibiscus tiliaceus) and fruit such as banana and papaya. Captive hatchlings have been observed eating insects; however, adults usually will not."}, {"description": "Sexually dimorphic, males have two or three white or pale-blue bands 2 cm wide crossing their emerald green background with a pattern of spots and stripes on the nuchal region. Females, on the other hand, are solid green with occasional spotting or partial bands. Both sexes have a yellow underside. Fiji banded iguanas reach 60 cm in length when measured from snout to tail tip and bodyweights of up to 200 g. The crests of these iguanas are very short reaching a length of 0.5 cm.Although there appear to be slight variations between insular populations, none have been well-described. The animals from Tonga are smaller and leaner, and were previously described as B. brevicephalus.The skin of this species is sensitive to light and the lizard can change its skin color to match its background. Captive specimens have been observed matching the pattern left by the screen tops of their cages in as little as 30 seconds."}, {"description": "The species is diurnal, spending their days foraging, basking and watching over their territories by day and retreating to the treetops at night. Male iguanas are highly visual, and aggressively defend their territories from rival males.Carpenter, C.C. and J.B. Murphy (1978). Aggressive Behavior in the Fiji Lizard (Brachyluphus fasciatus), Journal of Herpetology 12(2) 251\u20132 The iguanas will deepen their green coloration to intensify their bands, and bob their heads and intimidate intruders by lunging at them with open mouths. They often expand and flare their dewlaps to increase the size of their profile, following up with violent battles amongst each other."}, {"description": "The Fiji banded iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus) is an arboreal species of lizard endemic to some of the southeastern Fijian islands. It is found in Tonga, where it was probably introduced by humans. It is one of the few species of iguanas found outside of the New World and one of the most geographically isolated members of the family Iguanidae. Populations of these iguanas have been declining over the past century due to habitat destruction, and more significantly, the introduction of mongoose and house cats to the islands.The species is diurnal, spending their days foraging, basking and watching over their territories by day and retreating to the treetops at night. Fiji iguanas are considered a national treasure by the government of Fiji, and its likeness has been featured on postage stamps, currency, and phone book covers."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Boidae", "speciesKey": 104101401, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 104072682, "higherClassificationMap": {"103882489": "Chordata", "104072682": "Squamata", "103832354": "Metazoa", "104101348": "Chilabothrus", "104101276": "Boidae"}, "species": "Chilabothrus striatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Haitian boa"}], "habitats": [], "familyKey": 104101276, "kingdom": "Metazoa", "parent": "Chilabothrus", "kingdomKey": 103832354, "taxonID": "44152", "genusKey": 104101348, "canonicalName": "Chilabothrus striatus", "key": 104101401, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 103882489, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "fab88965-e69d-4491-a04d-e3198b626e52", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 1, "scientificName": "Chilabothrus striatus", "genus": "Chilabothrus", "parentKey": 104101348, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 5222428, "speciesKey": 113435299, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113434937, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113435295": "Phrynosomatidae", "113435297": "Phrynosoma", "113434937": "Squamata", "113434208": "Sauropsida", "113301736": "Chordata"}, "species": "Phrynosoma braconnieri", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Short-tailed horned lizard"}], "classKey": 113434208, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113435295, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phrynosoma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "2863237", "genusKey": 113435297, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma braconnieri", "key": 113435299, "authorship": "A.H.A. Dum\u00e9ril & Bocourt, 1870", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Sauropsida", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma braconnieri A.H.A. Dum\u00e9ril & Bocourt, 1870", "genus": "Phrynosoma", "parentKey": 113435297, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Phrynosoma braconnieri inhabits pine-oak woodland and xeric thorn-scrub. It can also be found in corn fields or other traditional agricultural areas.Zipcodezoo..com"}, {"description": "The short-tailed horned lizard is found in the Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca. It may also inhabit Veracruz."}, {"description": "The specific epithet, braconnieri, is in honor of French naturalist S\u00e9raphin Braconnier.Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Phrynosoma braconnieri, p. 36)."}, {"description": "This species has a very short tail relative to its body length, the shortest of the horned lizards, or indeed of any lizard, thus its common name.Digimorph.org/"}, {"description": "The short-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma braconnieri) is an uncommon species of horned lizard endemic to Mexico. It has a very distinct, shortened tail, which is sometimes not apparent."}]}
{"numOccurrences": 0, "nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "synonym": false, "higherClassificationMap": {}, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "nubKey": 5683, "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Amphisbaenians"}], "canonicalName": "Amphisbaenia", "taxonID": "308680", "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Amphisbaenia Gray, 1844", "descriptions": [{"description": "Taxonomic classification of amphisbaenians was traditionally based on morphological characters such as the number of preanal pores, body annuli, and tail annuli. Such characters are vulnerable to convergent evolution; in particular, loss of the forelimbs and the evolution of specialized shovel-headed and keel-headed morphs appear to have occurred multiple times in the history of the group.Kearney, Maureen, and Bryan L. Stuart. \"Repeated evolution of limblessness and digging heads in worm lizards revealed by DNA from old bones.\" PROCEEDINGS-ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON B 271 (2004): 1677-1684. Classifications based on mitochondrial DNA sequences and nuclear DNA sequences better reflect their true evolutionary history, and are now being used to distinguish genera of amphisbaenians.Mott, T., Vieites, D.R., 2009. Molecular phylogenetics reveals extreme morphological homoplasy in Brazilian worm lizards challenging current taxonomy. Molecular Phylogenetics & Evolution. 51(2): 190-200.Vanzolini, P.E., 2002. An aid to the identification of the South American species of Amphisbaena (Squamata, Amphisbaenidae). Pap. Avulsos Zool, S\u00e3o Paulo, 42(15): 351-362.The most ancient branch of the tree is Rhineuridae. The remaining five families form a group to the exclusion of rhineurids. Bipedidae, Blanidae and Cadeidae represent the most ancient divergences within this grouping, with Trogonophidae and Amphisbaenidae diverging more recently.Vidal, Nicolas, et al. \"Origin of tropical American burrowing reptiles by transatlantic rafting.\" Biology Letters 4.1 (2008): 115-118.Amphisbaenia has usually been considered a suborder of squamates. However, more recent studies indicate that it is part of the lizard clade Lacertoidea, ranked only as a superfamily, so it is now commonly described as an unranked clade. FamiliesFive families of amphisbaenians are currently recognised: Amphisbaenidae Gray, 1865 \u2013 Amphisbaenids, tropical worm lizards (17 genera) Bipedidae Taylor, 1951 \u2013 Ajolotes It should not be confused with the axolotl (1 genus) Rhineuridae Vanzolini, 1951 \u2013 North American worm lizards (1 genus) Trogonophidae Gray, 1865 \u2013 Palearctic worm lizards (4 genera) Blanidae Kearney & Stuart, 2004\"Blanidae\". Dahms Tierleben. www.dahmstierleben.de. - Anatolian, Iberian, and Moroccan worm lizards (1 genus) Cadeidae Cuban keel-headed worm lizards. Represented by only two species. Traditionally assigned to Amphisbaenia, but studies of DNA suggest that they represent a more primitive lineage, whose affinities are poorly known."}, {"description": "Despite a superficial resemblance to some primitive snakes, amphisbaenians have many unique features that distinguish them from other reptiles. Internally, their right lung is reduced in size to fit their narrow bodies, whereas in snakes, it is always the left lung. Their skeletal structure and skin are also different from those of other squamates. Both genetic and recent fossil evidence indicate that amphisbaenians lost their legs independently from snakes.Muller, J et al. (2011). \"Eocene lizard from Germany reveals amphisbaenian origins.\" Nature 473: 364\u2013367.The head is stout, not set off from the neck, and either rounded, sloped, or sloped with a ridge down the middle. Most of the skull is solid bone, with a distinctive single median tooth in the upper jaw. It has no outer ears, and the eyes are deeply recessed and covered with skin and scales. These rudimentary eyes have a cornea, lens, and complex ciliary body which allows them to detect light but they are reduced in size and do not have an anterior chamber.Foureaux, G., Egami, M.I., Jared, C., Antoniazzi, M.M., Gutierre, R.C., Smith, R.L., 2010. Rudimentary eyes of squamate fossorial reptiles (amphisbaenia and serpentes). John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ. 293(2): 351-7. The body is elongated, and the tail truncates in a manner that vaguely resembles the head. Their name is derived from Amphisbaena, a mythical serpent with a head at each end. The four species of Bipes are unusual in having a pair of forelimbs, but all limbless species have some remnants of the pelvic and pectoral girdles embedded within the body musculature.The skin of amphisbaenians is only loosely attached to the body, and they move using an accordion-like motion, in which the skin moves and the body seemingly just drags along behind it. Uniquely, they are also able to perform this motion in reverse just as effectively.Amphisbaenians are carnivorous, able to tear chunks out of larger prey with their powerful, interlocking teeth. Like lizards, some species are able to shed their tails (autotomy). Most species lay eggs, although at least some are known to be viviparous.The white worm lizard (Amphisbaena alba) is often found in association with leafcutter ants. This reptile is thought to forage in the ants' deep galleries where the insects deposit their waste. The larvae of certain large beetles live in these galleries and it is these on which the reptile preys.Piper, Ross (2007), Extraordinary Animals: An Encyclopedia of Curious and Unusual Animals, Greenwood Press."}, {"description": "Amphisbaenia (called amphisbaenians or worm lizards) is a group of usually legless squamates, comprising over 180 extant species. Amphisbaenians are characterized by long bodies, reduction or loss of the limbs, and rudimentary eyes. As many species possess a pink body coloration and scales arranged in rings, they have a superficial resemblance to earthworms. All are limbless except for Bipes, which retains forelimbs. Although superficially similar to the snakes and Dibamidae, recent phylogenetic studies suggest that they are most closely related to the Lacertidae. Amphisbaenians are widely distributed, occurring in North America, Europe, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Most species are less than 6 in long. Little is known of them outside of their anatomy, and even that is difficult to study due to the mechanics of dissecting such small animals."}], "key": 113679158, "habitats": [], "authorship": "Gray, 1844", "extinct": false, "nomenclaturalStatus": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Tropidophiidae", "nubKey": 2450363, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "rank": "GENUS", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"1": "Animalia", "5020": "Tropidophiidae", "44": "Chordata", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5020, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Tropidophiidae", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "121056630", "genusKey": 2450363, "canonicalName": "Ungaliophis", "key": 2450363, "authorship": "M\u00fcller, 1880", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "publishedIn": "Verh. Ges. Basel, 7, 142.", "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Ungaliophis M\u00fcller, 1880", "genus": "Ungaliophis", "parentKey": 5020, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Common names: bromeliad boas, banana boas, Neotropical dwarf boas. Ungaliophis is a genus of dwarf boas found from southern Mexico to Colombia. Currently, 2 species are recognized."}, {"description": "Found from the Pacific coastal plain and Meseta Central of Chiapas in Mexico, south through Central America (Pacific Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama) to Colombia."}, {"description": "These snakes occupy a range of habitats from lowland rainforest to highland pine-oak forests to cloud forests. Their vertical distribution ranges from sea level to 2,300\u00a0m elevation."}, {"description": "Species Taxon author Common name Geographic range U. continentalisT M\u00fcller, 1880 Chiapan boa Southern Mexico (eastern Chiapas), southwestern Guatemala and Honduras. U. panamensis Schmidt, 1933 Panamanian dwarf boa Southern Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and western Colombia. *) Not including the nominate subspecies. T) Type species."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Agamidae", "nubKey": 5960766, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 5960766, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "3238353": "Leiolepis", "1": "Animalia", "9199": "Agamidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Leiolepis guttata", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "spotted butterfly lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Spotted Butterfly Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9199, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Leiolepis", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119586264", "genusKey": 3238353, "canonicalName": "Leiolepis guttata", "key": 5960766, "authorship": "Cuvier, 1829", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Leiolepis guttata Cuvier, 1829", "genus": "Leiolepis", "parentKey": 3238353, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The giant butterfly lizard (Leiolepis guttata) is a rarely seen species of lizard found in parts of Southeast Asia. It is the largest member of Leiolepis."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xantusiidae", "nubKey": 2451740, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2451740, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2451720": "Xantusia", "5025": "Xantusiidae", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "44": "Chordata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Xantusia riversiana", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Island Night Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Island night lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Island Night Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5025, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Xantusia", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119590223", "genusKey": 2451720, "canonicalName": "Xantusia riversiana", "key": 2451740, "authorship": "Cope, 1883", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Xantusia riversiana Cope, 1883", "genus": "Xantusia", "parentKey": 2451720, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Island Night Lizard (Xantusia riversiana) is a night lizard native to three of the Channel Islands of California: San Nicolas Island, Santa Barbara Island and San Clemente Island. A small number of lizards also live on Sutil Island, near Santa Barbara Island. The San Clemente community is a recognized subspecies, the San Clemente Night Lizard, or Xantusia riversiana reticulata. The Island Night Lizard was listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in the United States since 1977; the IUCN lists the species as vulnerable. In 2006, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the administrating agency for the ESA, removed the San Clemente subspecies from the ESA. Better control of the munitions-sparked wildlifes may have been a reason. In March 2014, The US Fish and Wildlife Service removed the species from the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife. This removal was attributed to the removal of non-native animals such as cats and goats from the islands and partnering between the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Navy.This lizard's preferred habitat is coastal scrub made up of dense boxthorn and cacti thickets. Like other night lizards, it bears live young rather than laying eggs. The island lizards are much larger than their cousins in the genus, the desert night lizards (Xantusia vigilis) of southern California.The lizards are typically between 2.6 and 4.3 inches in length, not including the tail. They typically live between 11 and 13 years, but some individuals are estimated to have lived 30 years or more. Their color varies from pale ash gray and beige to brown and black. They may have uniform, mottled, and striped patterns."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 2455846, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "rank": "GENUS", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"1": "Animalia", "44": "Chordata", "6172": "Colubridae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 6172, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Colubridae", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "121030433", "genusKey": 2455846, "canonicalName": "Lamprophis", "key": 2455846, "authorship": "Fitzinger, 1843", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "publishedIn": "Syst. Rept. , 25.", "numDescendants": 16, "scientificName": "Lamprophis Fitzinger, 1843", "genus": "Lamprophis", "parentKey": 6172, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Lamprophis is a genus of colubrid snakes commonly referred to as African house snakes. They are small, nonvenomous snakes. They exhibit a wide variety of pattern variation, and may be spotted, striped, or solid in color. House snakes are sexually dimorphic, the females grow significantly larger, to about 120\u00a0cm in some species, and some specimens have been recorded over 150\u00a0cm, the males only grow to around 75\u00a0cm. Albino variants of Lamprophis aurora have been found."}, {"description": "Wild house snakes are often very nervous, but are not prone to biting. Their first defensive reaction is to flee. They are frequently found in and around human dwellings, where they consume rodents, small lizards, and even birds. House snakes are prolific breeders and lay clutches averaging eight to 12 eggs that hatch after around two months of incubation. Hatchlings are typically around 20\u00a0cm long."}, {"description": "House snakes are found throughout all of sub-Saharan Africa in a wide variety of habitats; some species are well adapted to living in underground burrows. They are named \"house\" snakes as they are frequently found around human dwellings, feeding on the rodents that congregate around human waste. They are extremely adaptable snakes, which are found in scrubland, woodland, savannah, and montane regions."}, {"description": "African house snakes are common in the exotic pet trade, the primary species available is L. capensis, others are harder to acquire. They are easy to care for and breed readily. Their popularity has declined in recent years due to more interestingly colored snakes, like the corn snake. Despite this, captive breeding of house snakes for color and pattern continues. Few are exported from Africa due to their low market value and the ease of breeding them in captivity. They can live up to 20 years with proper care. Males are smaller than females and seldom grow longer than 2.5 ft. Females can attain lengths of 3.5 ft, and specimens from the eastern region of southern Africa (KwaZulu-Natal) are reported to reach lengths of 5 ft or more. These snakes are nocturnal. The female lays one clutch of 9 to 16 eggs in early spring. They are known to store sperm and lay up to six clutches per year in captivity, but it rarely happens in nature. Hatchlings are 5-7\u00a0in upon hatching. FoodTheir main diet consists of rodents; in captivity, smaller snakes take pinkie mice, and in the wild they more commonly prey on geckos until they are powerful enough to constrict mice. Large females are known to occasionally eat weanling rats. Adult snakes get fed weekly. Hatchlings may eat small lizards, such as skinks and geckos, and newborn mice. In captivity, they can successfully be fed on gecko tails. Larger specimens are also known to take lizards, and in rare cases they will catch small bats. House snakes should be fed alone; their often violent feeding response may cause cannibalism."}, {"description": "As of 2010, only seven species in the genus Lamprophis are recognized:Kelly, C.M.R., et al. Molecular systematics of the African snake family Lamprophiidae, Fitzinger, 1843 (Serpentes: Elapoidea), with particular focus on the genera Lamprophis, Fitzinger 1843 and Mehelya, Csiki 1903. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. (2010), Abyssinian house snake, L. abyssinicus (Mocquard, 1906) Aurora house snake, L. aurora (Linnaeus, 1758) Ethiopian house snake L. erlangeri (Sternfeld, 1908) Fisk's house snake, L. fiskii (Boulenger, 1887), vulnerable (VU) Seychelles house snake, L. geometricus (Schlegel, 1827) Spotted house snake, L. guttatus (Smith, 1843) Yellow-bellied house snake, L. fuscus (Boulenger, 1893), near threatened (LR/nt) Brown house snake or Cape house snake now moved to genus Boaedon, Lamprophis capensis."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Teiidae", "nubKey": 2471948, "speciesKey": 104085499, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 104072682, "higherClassificationMap": {"103882489": "Chordata", "104072682": "Squamata", "103832354": "Metazoa", "104085048": "Teiidae", "104085494": "Tupinambis"}, "species": "Tupinambis teguixin", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "common tegu"}], "habitats": [], "familyKey": 104085048, "kingdom": "Metazoa", "parent": "Tupinambis", "kingdomKey": 103832354, "taxonID": "8532", "genusKey": 104085494, "canonicalName": "Tupinambis teguixin", "key": 104085499, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 103882489, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "fab88965-e69d-4491-a04d-e3198b626e52", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Tupinambis teguixin", "genus": "Tupinambis", "parentKey": 104085494, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Eublepharidae", "nubKey": 2445949, "speciesKey": 113420493, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113420490": "Eublepharidae", "113420492": "Aeluroscalabotes", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Aeluroscalabotes felinus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Cat gecko"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113420490, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Aeluroscalabotes", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "1516149", "genusKey": 113420492, "canonicalName": "Aeluroscalabotes felinus", "key": 113420493, "authorship": "G\u00fcnther, 1864", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Aeluroscalabotes felinus G\u00fcnther, 1864", "genus": "Aeluroscalabotes", "parentKey": 113420492, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The species has been redescribed by several different taxonomists, leading to some early confusion in its classification, but its distinctly different morphological characteristics have clarified its status.There are two recognized subspecies of Aeluroscalabotes felinus: Aeluroscalabotes felinus felinus (G\u00fcnther, 1864) Aeluroscalabotes felinus multituberculatus (Kopstein, 1927)"}, {"description": "The Cat gecko is a popular choice for a pet gecko, though they are not very commonly available and captive breeding is known to be difficult. Wild caught specimens often have heavy parasite loads, and they are easily susceptible to stress, so care can be difficult."}, {"description": "The cat gecko is a lightly built gecko, typically red-brown in color with white spots on its body, and solid white under its chin, and sometimes to the belly. Some specimens have brown blotching along the back. It is considered to be one of the more primitive geckos, and is physically quite similar in body structure to the few fossils of early geckos which have been discovered. They can grow to approximately 18\u00a0cm (7\u00a0inches), with males typically being smaller than females. Unlike most arboreal geckos it does not have toe pads (setae) which allow it to climb sheer surfaces. It instead relies on small retractile claws, and a prehensile tail"}, {"description": "Exact population counts of the Cat gecko are unknown, though it is not considered to be common throughout its range. It does not hold any particular conservation status, except in Thailand, where collection and export is prohibited."}, {"description": "semi-arboreal and preferring cool, humid, montane rainforest habitats, the cat gecko is primarily nocturnal and insectivorous, consuming a wide variety of small insects."}, {"description": "The cat gecko, Aeluroscalabotes felinus, is a species of gecko found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia and Thailand. It is the only species within the genus Aeluroscalabotes, and the only genus found within the taxonomic Subfamily Aeluroscalabotinae. It is commonly called the cat gecko because of its habit of curling up with its tail around itself when it sleeps, similar to a cat."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "nubKey": 2470685, "speciesKey": 113671773, "rank": "SPECIES", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Asian water monitor, V. s. salvator, the nominate subspecies, is now restricted to Sri Lanka, where it is known as the kabaragoya (\u0d9a\u0db6\u0dbb\u0d9c\u0ddc\u0dba\u0dcf) in Sinhala and kalawathan in Tamil. The Andaman Islands water monitor, V. s. andamanensis, is found on the Andaman Islands; the type locality is Port Blair, Andaman Islands. The two-striped water monitor, V. s. bivittatus, is common to Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Ombai (Alor), Wetar, and some neighbouring islands within the Sunda arch, Indonesia; the type locality is Java (designated by Mertens 1959). The black water monitor, V. s. komaini, from Thailand (type locality: Amphoe La-ngu, Satun Prov., Thailand, and Thai-Malaysian border area), was formerly a subspecies, but now is regarded as a synonym of V. s. macromaculatus. The Southeast Asian water monitor, V. s. macromaculatus (type locality: Siam [Thailand]), is found in mainland Southeast Asia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, and smaller associated offshore islands.Koch, A., M. Auliya, A. Schmitz, U. Kuch & W. B\u00f6hme. (2007). Morphological Studies on the Systematics of South East Asian Water Monitors (Varanus salvator Complex): Nominotypic Populations and Taxonomic Overview. pp. 109\u2013180. In Horn, H.-G., W. B\u00f6hme & U. Krebs (eds.), Advances in Monitor Research III. Mertensiella 16, Rheinbach. Ziegler's water monitor, V. s. ziegleri, is from Obi Island. Varanus cumingi, Varanus marmoratus, and Varanus nuchalis were classified as subspecies until 2007, when they were elevated to full species."}, {"description": "The generic name Varanus is derived from the Arabic waral (), which translates as \"monitor\". The specific name is the Latin word for \"saviour\", denoting a possible religious connotation. The water monitor is occasionally confused with the crocodile monitor (V. salvadorii) because of their similar scientific names.In Thailand, the local word for a water monitor, hia (), is used as an insulting word for bad and evil things, including bad persons. The word is also thought to bring bad luck, so some people prefer to call the animals 'silver-and-gold' () to avoid the jinx.The origin of this offensive meaning can be traced back to a time when more people lived in rural areas in close proximity to monitor lizards. Traditionally, Thai villagers lived in two-story houses; the top floor was for living, while the ground floor was designed to be a space for domestic animals such as pigs, chickens, and dogs. Water monitors would enter the ground floor and eat or maim the domestic animals, also hence the other name dtua gin gai ( \u2018chicken eater\u2019).In Indonesian and Malay, the water monitor is called biawak air,Journal of Bioscience, Volumes 15-16 Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2004 to differentiate it from the biawak pasir (\"sand lizard\"), Leiolepis belliana.The Hope Reports, Volume 4 private circulation, 1903"}, {"description": "The water monitor is a large species of monitor lizard. Breeding maturity is attained for males when they are a relatively modest 40 cm long and weigh 1 kg, and for females at 50 cm. However, they grow much larger throughout life, with males being larger than females. Adults rarely exceed 1.5 - in length,Pianka, King & king. Varanoid lizards of the world. 2004 but the largest specimen on record, from Sri Lanka, measured 3.21 m. A common mature weight of V. salvator can be 19.5 kg.Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator) at Pak Lah\u2019s House | Mutakhir. Wildlife.gov.my (2012-02-23). Retrieved on 2012-08-22. However, 80 males killed for the leather trade in Sumatra averaged only 3.42 kg and 56.6 cm snout-to-vent and 142 cm in total length; 42 females averaged only 3.52 kg and 59 cm snout-to-vent and 149.6 cm in total length,Shine, R., Harlow, P. S., & Keogh, J. S. (1996). Commercial harvesting of giant lizards: The biology of water monitors Varanus salvator in southern Sumatra. Biological Conservation, 77(2), 125-134. although unskinned outsized specimens weighed 16 to. The maximum weight of the species is over 50 kg.Water Monitor \u2013 Varanus salvator : WAZA : World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. WAZA. Retrieved on 2012-08-22. In exceptional cases, the species has been reported to attain 75 to, though most such reports are unverified and may be unreliable. They are the world's second-heaviest lizard, after the Komodo dragon. Their bodies are muscular, with long, powerful, laterally compressed tails."}, {"description": "In Nepal it is a protected species in Chitwan National Park under the Wild Animals Protection Act of 2002. In Hong Kong, it is a protected species under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance Cap 170. In Malaysia, this species is one of the most common wild animals around, with numbers comparable to that of the population of macaques there. Although many fall prey to humans via roadkill and animal cruelty, they still thrive in most states of Malaysia, especially in the shrubs of the east-coast states such as Pahang and Terengganu. In the east-coast states of Malaysia, this species is very common in roadkill. In Thailand, all monitor lizards are protected species. This monitor is exploited by the pet trade."}, {"description": "Water monitors defend themselves using their tails, claws, and jaws. They are excellent swimmers, using the raised fin on their tails to steer through water. They are carnivores, and have a wide range of foods. They are known to eat fish, frogs, rodents, birds, crabs, and snakes. They have also been known to eat turtles, as well as young crocodiles and crocodile eggs.Whitaker, Rom (1981) \"Bangladesh \u2013 Monitors and turtles\". Hamadryad. 6 (3): 7\u20139 Like the Komodo dragon, they will often eat carrion. Water monitors have been observed eating catfish in a fashion similar to a mammalian carnivore, tearing off chunks of meat with their sharp teeth while holding it with their fore legs and then separating different parts of the fish for sequential consumption."}, {"description": "For the Australian species with a similar common names, see Mertens' water monitor and Mitchell's water monitor. The water monitor (Varanus salvator) is a large lizard native to South and Southeast Asia. Water monitors are one of the most common monitor lizards found throughout Asia, and range from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India to Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, and various islands of Indonesia, living in areas close to water."}], "higherClassificationMap": {"113671770": "Varanus"}, "species": "Varanus salvator", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Water monitor"}], "habitats": [], "parent": "Varanus", "canonicalName": "Varanus salvator", "taxonID": "3741200", "genusKey": 113671770, "key": 113671773, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Varanus salvator", "genus": "Varanus", "parentKey": 113671770}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Bolyeriidae", "nubKey": 2450979, "speciesKey": 100479965, "rank": "SPECIES", "orderKey": 100479582, "higherClassificationMap": {"100479959": "Casarea", "100479951": "Bolyeriidae", "100479582": "Squamata"}, "species": "Casarea dussumieri", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Round-Island-Boa"}], "habitats": [], "familyKey": 100479951, "parent": "Casarea", "canonicalName": "Casarea dussumieri", "taxonID": "2844425", "genusKey": 100479959, "key": 100479965, "authorship": " (Schlegel, 1837)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "16c3f9cb-4b19-4553-ac8e-ebb90003aa02", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Casarea dussumieri (Schlegel 1837)", "genus": "Casarea", "parentKey": 100479959, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Der Lebensraum der Round-Island-Boa ist auf die kleine Insel Round Island bei Mauritius beschr\u00e4nkt. Fr\u00fcher lebte sie in den tropischen Hartholzw\u00e4ldern und in der Palmsavanne. Heute kommt sie nur noch in einem kleinen Savannenareal mit sp\u00e4rlichen Palmbest\u00e4nden vor."}, {"description": "Die Round-Island-Boa ist \u00fcberwiegend nachtaktiv und ern\u00e4hrt sich von endemischen Skinken und Geckos. Jungtiere und M\u00e4nnchen leben teilweise in B\u00e4umen. \u00dcber ihrer Brutbiologie ist nur wenig bekannt. Es wird vermutet, dass die Brutzeit im April beginnt, obwohl junge Schlangen das ganze Jahr \u00fcber beobachtet werden. Das Gelege besteht aus zw\u00f6lf weichschaligen Eiern und befindet sich vermutlich in hohlen Palmst\u00e4mmen oder unter Laub. Nach einer verh\u00e4ltnism\u00e4\u00dfig langen Brutzeit von 90 Tagen schl\u00fcpfen die jungen Schlangen, die bei der Geburt ungef\u00e4hr 5 Gramm wiegen und eine hellorange F\u00e4rbung des Schuppenkleides aufweisen."}, {"description": "90 % des urspr\u00fcnglichen Hartholzwaldes auf Round Island wurde gerodet und musste Ackerbaufl\u00e4chen weichen. Um das Jahr 1840 wurden Kaninchen und Ziegen auf Round Island eingef\u00fchrt, die die Vegetation sehr stark zerst\u00f6rten und somit zur Bodenerosion beitrugen. Mehrere Pflanzenarten, die den endemischen Tierarten, wie den Skinken oder den Schlangen Schutz und Lebensraum boten, sind deshalb ausgestorben oder extrem selten. Vom einstigen botanischen Reichtum der Insel ist nur noch ein sp\u00e4rlicher Rest \u00fcbrig, der zudem durch tropische St\u00fcrme gef\u00e4hrdet ist. Die Ziegen und Kaninchen wurden in den 1980er Jahren auf Initiative der Mauritian Wildlife Foundation von der Insel entfernt. Heute leben vielleicht etwa 500 erwachsene Schlangen auf Round Island (mit einer gesch\u00e4tzten Gesamtpopulation von ungef\u00e4hr 1000 Exemplaren)."}, {"description": "Die Round-Island-Boa ist eine schlanke Schlange, die eine L\u00e4nge bis 150\u00a0cm erreicht. Die Oberseite ist dunkelbraun. Die Unterseite ist heller und hat dunkle Tupfer. Das Schuppenkleid besteht aus kielf\u00f6rmigen Schuppen."}, {"description": "Die Round-Island-Boa (Casarea dussumieri), auch als Kielschuppenboa bezeichnet, ist die einzige Art der Gattung Casarea innerhalb der Familie der Bolyerschlangen. Sie ist endemisch auf der kleinen Insel Round Island bei Mauritius. Sie darf nicht verwechselt werden mit der vermutlich ausgestorbenen Mauritiusboa (Bolyeria multocarinata) aus der monotypischen Schlangengattung Bolyeria, die ebenfalls nur auf Round Island vorkam. Die Round-Island-Boa ist vom Aussterben bedroht und geh\u00f6rt zu den seltensten Schlangen der Welt."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gekkonidae", "nubKey": 2447737, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2447737, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2447715": "Nephrurus", "358": "Reptilia", "715": "Squamata", "5666": "Gekkonidae"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Nephrurus stellatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Southern Knob-tailed Gecko"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Stellate Knob-tail"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5666, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Nephrurus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119587445", "genusKey": 2447715, "canonicalName": "Nephrurus stellatus", "key": 2447737, "authorship": "Storr, 1968", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Nephrurus stellatus Storr, 1968", "genus": "Nephrurus", "parentKey": 2447715, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "SOA-OO"}, {"description": "WAU-WA"}, {"description": "Nephrurus stellatus is a species of lizard, a gecko in the family Carphodactylidae. N. stellatus is endemic to southern Australia."}, {"description": "Several common names are applied to this species, including starry knob-tail, stellate knob-tail, and southern knob-tailed gecko."}, {"description": "N. stellatus is found in the arid regions of the Eyre Peninsula and southern Western Australia.The holotype was collected near Southern Cross, Western Australia."}, {"description": "The original description of this species was by Glen Milton Storr in 1968."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Boidae", "nubKey": 5225722, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 5225722, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2465283": "Aspidites", "358": "Reptilia", "715": "Squamata", "2464897": "Boidae"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Aspidites melanocephalus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "black-headed python"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Black-headed Python"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Schwarzkopfpython"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 2464897, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Aspidites", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119583251", "genusKey": 2465283, "canonicalName": "Aspidites melanocephalus", "key": 5225722, "authorship": "Krefft, 1864", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 3, "scientificName": "Aspidites melanocephalus Krefft, 1864", "genus": "Aspidites", "parentKey": 2465283, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Aspidites melanocephalus, commonly known as the black-headed python,Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X. is a species of snake in the family Pythonidae (the python family). The species is native to Australia. No subspecies are currently recognized."}, {"description": "These snakes are terrestrial and are often found in amongst rocks and loose debris. If disturbed, they will hiss loudly, but are unlikely to bite unless hunting prey. They will sometimes strike with a closed mouth, but generally can be handled easily. They are strong swimmers, but are almost never found inside water. They are non-venomous."}, {"description": "Due to its docile nature and striking color pattern, this species has become very desirable as an exotic pet. It is bred in captivity and can be relatively easily obtained, but does command a high price. As they can be muscular snakes and reach a fairly substantial size, prospective owners should consider a suitable enclosure, as well as temperature and feeding requirements."}, {"description": "Adults grow to an average of 1.5 to 2 m (5 to 8.25 ft) in total length,Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. Dorling Kindersley. 624 pp. ISBN 0-7894-7764-5. but can grow to a maximum total length of 3.5 m, although average specimens are about 2 m in total length. The body is muscular with a flattened profile, while the tail tapers to a thin point.The top of the head is covered by large symmetrical scales. The dorsal scales, which are smooth and glossy, number 50-65 rows at midbody, while there are 315-355 ventral scales. The tail has 60-75 mainly single subcaudal scales and the anal scale is single. The posterior subcaudals tend to be divided, often irregularly.The color pattern consists of shades of black, dark grey, brown, gold, and cream arranged in a striped or brindled pattern. The belly is light-coloured, flecked with darker spots. The head is shiny black that also extends down the neck and throat for several inches."}, {"description": "The diet consists of mainly reptiles, but they will eat mammals if available. Because black-headed pythons live in the desert, they heat up a lot quicker and stay warmer for longer. This means they can eat more because they digest food quicker in warmer conditions. When ingesting large prey this species positions one or two coils just ahead of its distended mouth and by constriction makes the task of swallowing easier."}, {"description": "Found in Australia in the northern half of the country, excluding the very arid regions. The type locality given is \"Port Denison [Bowen]\" [Queensland, Australia]."}, {"description": "Occurs in humid tropical to semi-arid conditions."}, {"description": "These snakes are mentioned in, or play a central role in, the stories of the Indigenous Australians Dreamtime tradition."}, {"description": "Oviparous, with 5-10 eggs per clutch. The females stay coiled about the eggs and incubate them until they hatch, which is usually after 2-3 months. The young will take small prey as soon as two days after hatching. Immature individuals are vulnerable to predation, including cannibalism. Adults have no natural predators other than dingos and humans."}, {"description": "NTA-OO"}, {"description": "QLD-QU"}, {"description": "WAU-WA"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Lanthanotidae", "nubKey": 2451796, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2451796, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "2451795": "Lanthanotus", "1": "Animalia", "5202": "Lanthanotidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Lanthanotus borneensis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Borneo-Taubwaran"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Borneo earless monitor"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Borneo Earless Monitor"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Earless Monitor Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5202, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Lanthanotus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119585571", "genusKey": 2451795, "canonicalName": "Lanthanotus borneensis", "key": 2451796, "authorship": "Steindachner, 1878", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Lanthanotus borneensis Steindachner, 1878", "genus": "Lanthanotus", "parentKey": 2451795, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The earless monitor lizard (Lanthanotus borneensis) is a semi-aquatic, brown lizard native to northern Borneo. It is the only species in the family Lanthanotidae, a group related to the true monitor lizards, as well as to the beaded lizards.Earless monitor lizards are around 20 centimetres in length, and have reduced eyes and limbs, a thick body, and strongly keeled scales. Despite the name, it is capable of hearing, although it lacks a tympanum or other visible signs of ears. It is a burrowing, nocturnal animal, feeding on earthworms and similar prey. In captivity, it has been known to eat squid, pieces of fish and liver. Like its closest relatives, it is oviparous, although little else is known about its reproduction.This species is very rare, and most known specimens are preserved, though these, also, are rare. The species is primarily of interest to scientists, since it is an evolutionary outgroup for both varanid and helodermatid lizards."}, {"description": "Der Borneo-Taubwaran (Lanthanotus borneensis) ist eine auf der Insel Borneo beheimatete Echse. Die Art ist der einzige Vertreter der Familie Lanthanotidae. \u00dcber die offenbar \u00fcberwiegend unterirdisch lebenden Tiere ist wenig bekannt, insbesondere \u00fcber ihre Lebensweise liegen fast keine Kenntnisse vor."}, {"description": "Der Wiener Zoologe Franz Steindachner beschrieb 1877 anhand eines einzelnen Exemplars ein Reptil aus Borneo als Lanthanotus borneensis und begr\u00fcndete mit der Gattung und Art eine neue Familie. Das Typusexemplar befindet sich in einem Museum in Wien.Bis 1961 kamen weniger als 10 Taubwarane in Museen, in keinem Fall mit aussagekr\u00e4ftigen Angaben zu Fundort und Fundumst\u00e4nden. Noch nach 1950 suchten Herpetologen auf Borneo nach Taubwaranen, doch selbst befragte Einheimische wussten nichts \u00fcber deren Existenz. Im Januar 1961 wurde durch Zufall der erste Fund seit 45 Jahren gemacht.Tom Harrisson, Neville S. Haile: Notes on a Living Specimen of the Earless Monitor Lizard, Lanthonotus borneensis. In: Journal of the Ohio Herpetological Society. Bd. 3, Nr. 2, 1961, S.\u00a013\u201316, . Ein Dayak hatte beim Aushauen eines Pfades einen Taubwaran entdeckt und lebend gefangen. Tom und Barbara Harrisson, zwei hier ans\u00e4ssige Herpetologen, konnten den Taubwaran nicht lange am Leben halten. Mitgliedern der Dayaks wurden hierauf Pr\u00e4mien f\u00fcr den Fang lebender Taubwarane zugesichert, so konnten von circa 1970 bis 1980 etwas mehr als sechzig lebende Tiere gefangen, beobachtet und seziert werden.Nach: Konrad Klemmer: Familie Taubwarane. In: Bernhard Grzimek (Hrsg.): Grzimeks Tierleben. Enzyklop\u00e4die des Tierreiches. Band 6: Kriechtiere. Bechterm\u00fcnz, Augsburg 2000, ISBN 3-8289-1603-1, S. 337 (unver\u00e4nderter Nachdruck der Originalausgabe von 1979/80). Einige gelangten in Zoologische G\u00e4rten und Museen Europas und Nordamerikas. Bis dato wurden etwa 100 Exemplare gefangen,Nach: David Burnie (Hrsg.): Tiere. (Die grosse Bildenzyklop\u00e4die mit \u00fcber 2000 Arten). Dorling Kindersley, M\u00fcnchen 2001, ISBN 3-8310-0202-9, S. 419. Anmerkung: Popul\u00e4rwissenschaftliche Quelle. sowohl lebend als auch tot."}, {"description": "Der wissenschaftliche Gattungsname Lanthanotus kommt aus dem griechischen: \u03bb\u03b1\u03bd\u03d1\u03ac\u03bd\u03c9 = verborgen, \u03bf\u03cd\u03c2 \u03ce\u03c4\u03cc\u03c2 = Ohr, gewisserma\u00dfen \u201everborgenes Ohr\u201c bzw. \u201eohrlos\u201c. Das \u201eborneensis\u201c steht f\u00fcr die Verbreitung des Taubwaranes in Borneo. Der Gesamtname Lanthanotus borneensis bedeutet also etwa \u201eOhrloser aus Borneo\u201c."}, {"description": "Allgemeines\u00dcber die Lebensweise von Taubwaranen ist fast nichts bekannt. Das wenige Wissen st\u00fctzt sich ausschlie\u00dflich auf einige Beobachtungen speziell an in Terrarien gehaltenen Tieren. Die lichtscheuen Tiere verbringen die meiste Zeit in unterirdischen G\u00e4ngen bzw. H\u00f6hlen, unter Pflanzen oder im Wasser und sind wohl nachtaktiv. Sie sind zumeist sehr lethargisch und bewegen sich selten; in Gefangenschaft lagen viele Taubwarane tagelang an derselben Stelle, meist im Wasser oder in den Bodengrund eingegraben. Die Vorzugstemperatur bei in Gefangenschaft gehaltenen Tieren liegt bei 24 bis 28\u00a0\u00b0C. Weitere Anpassungen an das aquatile Leben sind wohl die weit nach hinten verschobenen Nasenl\u00f6cher (bessere Atmung beim Schwimmen) und das durchsichtige untere Augenlid. Das Augenlid ist zus\u00e4tzlich zu seiner Durchsichtigkeit nicht wasserdurchl\u00e4ssig, hierdurch k\u00f6nnen Taubwarane beim Tauchen sehen. Ern\u00e4hrungVermutungen zufolge frisst der Taubwaran in seinem nat\u00fcrlichen Lebensraum vor allem Fische, bisher konnte dies jedoch aufgrund fehlender Freilandbeobachtungen nicht best\u00e4tigt werden. In Menschenobhut gelangte Taubwarane verweigerten meist entweder jegliche Nahrungsaufnahme oder leckten am Inhalt von Eiern verschiedener Tiere, speziell Schildkr\u00f6ten und V\u00f6geln. Jedoch sind Eier wohl keine nat\u00fcrliche Nahrung der Taubwarane. In Frankfurt am Main gehaltene Taubwarane fra\u00dfen ausschlie\u00dflich St\u00fcckchen von Schollenfleisch. Nach sieben Jahren Haltung in Frankfurt stellte sich ein Taubwaran abrupt auf Regenw\u00fcrmer um, die davor verschm\u00e4ht wurden. FortpflanzungDie Weibchen legen drei bis vier mehr als drei Zentimeter lange Eier."}, {"description": "Borneo-Taubwarane erreichen L\u00e4ngen von bis zu 55 (meist 42 oder 43) Zentimetern und sind langgestreckt und flach gebaut. Von der Gesamtl\u00e4nge macht der Schwanz fast die H\u00e4lfte aus. Die verh\u00e4ltnism\u00e4\u00dfig kurzen Beine mit f\u00fcnf bekrallten Zehen sind sehr kr\u00e4ftig. Die Beschuppung besteht haupts\u00e4chlich aus vielen kleinen Schuppen. Zwischen den kleinen Schuppen sind in L\u00e4ngsreihen gro\u00dfe, gekielte, h\u00f6ckerartige Schuppen angeordnet (heterogene Beschuppung). Diese befinden sich auf Osteodermata genannten, verkn\u00f6cherten Unterlagen, die auf der Kopfoberseite keine Verbindung mit dem Sch\u00e4del eingehen. Die sechs bis zehn L\u00e4ngsreihen dieser Schuppen auf dem R\u00fccken setzen sich in geringerer Zahl auf dem Schwanz fort.Die nach hinten verschobenen Nasen\u00f6ffnungen sitzen fast auf der Schnauzenoberseite. Die sehr kleinen Augen mit beweglichen Lidern weisen im Unterlid ein geschlossenes Fenster (sog. \u201eBrille\u201c) aus Horn auf, wodurch das Sichtfeld bei geschlossenen Augenlidern zwar stark eingeschr\u00e4nkt ist, jedoch weiterhin eine optische Wahrnehmung m\u00f6glich bleibt. Bei Taubwaranen fehlt typischerweise eine \u00e4u\u00dfere Ohr\u00f6ffnung, ebenso eine Gularfalte (letzteres ist ein Unterschied zu den Waranen). Der waran\u00e4hnliche Sch\u00e4del ist sehr flach. Die langen, spitzen und leicht gekr\u00fcmmten Z\u00e4hne stehen in weiten Abst\u00e4nden zueinander. Taubwarane haben neun Halswirbel und 27 Rumpfwirbel.Sondermerkmale des Sch\u00e4dels sind das Gaumenbein, welches das Pr\u00e4frontale (Teil des Stirnbeins) ber\u00fchrt, das Postfrontale (Teil des Stirnbeines) \u00fcber den Orbita (Augenh\u00f6hlen), eine vertikale und naht\u00e4hnliche Bildung zwischen Angulare und Splenial auf der medialen Seite des Kiefers, und das Vorhandensein von palatinalen Z\u00e4hnen. Charakteristisch ist die vollst\u00e4ndige Trennung der Osteodermen (in die Haut eingebettete Knochen) um den Sch\u00e4del herum, sowie der extrem stark reduzierte Palpebralknochen."}, {"description": "SystematikSeit der Erstbeschreibung im Jahre 1877 wurde die Art in die N\u00e4he der Krustenechsen und Warane gestellt, da eine nahe Verwandtschaft vermutet wurde. Diese systematische Stellung wurde durch eine im Jahr 2001 ver\u00f6ffentlichte Untersuchung der mitochondrialen DNA best\u00e4tigt. Demnach war die Monophylie der \u00dcberfamilie Varanoidea (Familien Helodermatidae, Lanthanotidae und Varanidae mit jeweils nur einer Gattung) gut begr\u00fcndet; Lanthanotus wurde als Schwestertaxon der Echten Warane (Gattung Varanus) identifiziert.Jennifer C. Ast: Mitochondrial DNA Evidence and Evolution in Varanoidea (Squamata). In: Cladistics. Bd. 17, Nr. 3, 2001, S. 211\u2013226, .Bei einer neueren Untersuchung unter Einbeziehung weiterer Genombestandteile und vieler zus\u00e4tzlicher Reptilienarten wurde die oben postulierte Zusammensetzung der \u00dcberfamilie Varanoidea als paraphyletisch verworfen. Die Helodermatidae geh\u00f6ren demnach nicht in diese Gruppe, stattdessen wurde die Chinesische Krokodilschwanzechse (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) dem Taxon Varanoidea zugeordnet. Das Schwestergruppenverh\u00e4ltnis zwischen Lanthanotidae und den Varanidae wurde jedoch erneut best\u00e4tigt.Ted M. Townsend, Allan Larson, Edward Louis, J. Robert Macey: Molecular Phylogenetics of Squamata: The Position of Snakes, Amphisbaenians, and Dibamids, and the Root of the Squamate Tree. In: Systematic Biology. Bd. 53, Nr. 5, 2004, S. 735\u2013757, , PMID 15545252. StammesgeschichteEinige Vermutungen gehen davon aus, dass der Taubwaran der \u00dcbergangsform von Echsen zu Schlangen \u00e4hneln k\u00f6nnte. Zwar ist der Taubwaran h\u00f6chstwahrscheinlich keines der so genannten \u201emissing links\u201c, doch viele Autoren gehen davon aus, dass sich Schlangen aus taubwaran\u00e4hnlichen Reptilien entwickelten, die in der Kreidezeit existierten. Tats\u00e4chlich zeigt er viele schlangen\u00e4hnliche Merkmale, etwa fast vollst\u00e4ndige Geh\u00f6rlosigkeit. Dar\u00fcber hinaus sind die Augen nicht \u00fcberm\u00e4\u00dfig leistungsf\u00e4hig, und die Wirbelzahl ist stark erh\u00f6ht. Merkmale einer \u00dcbergangsform w\u00e4ren im Fall des Borneo-Taubwaranes auch k\u00fcrzere Gliedma\u00dfen und ein verl\u00e4ngerter Rumpf.Von Lanthanotus borneensis selbst ist kein Fossil bekannt. Das einzige bekannte Fossil eines taubwaran\u00e4hnlichen Reptils ist Cherminotus longifrons. Es wurde 1984 von M. Borsuk-Bialynicka in Ablagerungen der sp\u00e4ten Kreide in der Mongolei gefunden."}, {"description": "Der Borneo-Taubwaran ist auf Borneo endemisch und besiedelt dort ausschlie\u00dflich den Norden der Insel. Die Art besiedelt unterirdische Fl\u00fcsse oder andere subterrestrische Orte und Gew\u00e4sser, wurde in Sarawak jedoch auch in den Bew\u00e4sserungsgr\u00e4ben von Reisfeldern nachgewiesen."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Corytophanidae", "nubKey": 2448664, "speciesKey": 113419795, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113419773": "Corytophanidae", "113419789": "Corytophanes", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Corytophanes percarinatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Guatemalan helmeted basilisk"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113419773, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Corytophanes", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "21287325", "genusKey": 113419789, "canonicalName": "Corytophanes percarinatus", "key": 113419795, "authorship": "A.H.A. Dum\u00e9ril, 1856", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Corytophanes percarinatus A.H.A. Dum\u00e9ril, 1856", "genus": "Corytophanes", "parentKey": 113419789, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Guatemalan helmeted basilisk (Corytophanes percarinatus) is a species of lizard in the family Corytophanidae found in Guatemala and southern Mexico."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 6159847, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110971347, "rank": "INFRASPECIFIC_NAME", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "110970801": "Phrynosomatidae", "109354902": "Animalia", "110970978": "Sceloporus", "110971347": "Sceloporus variabilis", "110775394": "Chordata", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Sceloporus variabilis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Southern Rose-bellied Lizard"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110970801, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Sceloporus variabilis", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13205356", "genusKey": 110970978, "canonicalName": "Sceloporus variabilis olloporus", "key": 110971353, "authorship": "Smith, 1937", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Sceloporus variabilis olloporus Smith, 1937", "genus": "Sceloporus", "parentKey": 110971347, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 6161264, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2455922, "rank": "SUBSPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "2457182": "Trimorphodon", "1": "Animalia", "2455922": "Trimorphodon biscutatus", "6172": "Colubridae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Trimorphodon biscutatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Texas lyre snake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Texas Lyre Snake"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 6172, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Trimorphodon biscutatus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119594981", "genusKey": 2457182, "canonicalName": "Trimorphodon biscutatus vilkinsonii", "key": 6161264, "authorship": "Cope, 1886", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Trimorphodon biscutatus vilkinsonii Cope, 1886", "genus": "Trimorphodon", "parentKey": 2455922, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Texas lyre snake (Trimorphodon biscutatus vilkinsonii) is a subspecies of mildly venomous rear-fanged colubrid. The epithet vilkinsonii is in honor of amateur American naturalist Edward Wilkinson, who collected the first specimen near the city of Chihuahua.[1] Some sources consider it to be its own species (Trimorphodon vilkinsonii)."}, {"description": "Lyre snakes are nocturnal, spending most of their time hiding in rock crevices, emerging to feed mainly on lizards,Schmidt, K.P. and D.D. Davis. 1941. Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. G.P. Putnam's Sons. New York. and also on small rodents, frogs, bats and birds.Conant, Roger. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin. Boston. Their venom is not considered to be harmful to humans. Also, if their venom is not fatal to their prey, they may kill by constriction.Rodman,G.B. 1939. Habits of Trimorphodon vandenburghi in Captivity. Copeia, 1939,p. 50."}, {"description": "They are medium-sized snakes, attaining lengths of approximately 1 meter (39\u00a0inches) at adult size.Wright, A.H. and A.A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Comstock. Ithaca and London. They are brown, tan or gray with 17-24 dark brown blotches down the back. They have large eyes with vertical pupils. The common name, lyre snakes, comes from a distinctive V shaped pattern on the head which resembles the shape of a lyre. However, it should be noted that this particular subspecies (T. b. vilkinsonii) has no V mark on the head.Smith, H.M. and E.D. Brodie, Jr. 1982. Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Press. New York."}, {"description": "It is found in the United States in the Big Bend region of Texas and southern New Mexico, and in Mexico in northeastern Chihuahua."}, {"description": "Lyre snakes are oviparous, laying about a dozen eggs per clutch.Schmidt, K.P. and D.D. Davis. Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. G.P. Putnam's Sons. New York."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Amphisbaenidae", "nubKey": 2472918, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110945905, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "109354902": "Animalia", "110945879": "Amphisbaenidae", "110775394": "Chordata", "110945880": "Amphisbaena", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Amphisbaena bassleri", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Mottled Amphisbaena"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110945879, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Amphisbaena", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13198636", "genusKey": 110945880, "canonicalName": "Amphisbaena bassleri", "key": 110945905, "authorship": "Vanzolini, 1951", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Amphisbaena bassleri Vanzolini, 1951", "genus": "Amphisbaena", "parentKey": 110945880, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "PER-OO"}, {"description": "BOL-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Agamidae", "nubKey": 2466435, "speciesKey": 113416057, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113416055": "Moloch", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia", "113415946": "Agamidae"}, "species": "Moloch horridus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Thorny devil"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113415946, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Moloch", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "1091105", "genusKey": 113416055, "canonicalName": "Moloch horridus", "key": 113416057, "authorship": "Gray, 1841", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Moloch horridus Gray, 1841", "genus": "Moloch", "parentKey": 113416055, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The names given to this lizard reflect its appearance; the two large horned scales on its head complete the illusion of a dragon. Although the name Moloch was formerly used for a deity of the ancient Near East, this name began to be used later in demonology to refer to the fallen angel and Prince of Hell.The thorny dragon was first described in writing by the biologist John Edward Gray in 1841. While it is the only one contained in the genus Moloch, many taxonomists suspect another species might remain to be found in the wild. The thorny dragon is only distantly related to the similar (morphologically speaking) North American horned lizards of the genus Phrynosoma. This similarity is usually thought of as an example of convergent evolution."}, {"description": "The thorny dragon is covered in hard, rather sharp spines that dissuade attacks by predators by making it difficult to swallow. It also has a false head on its back. When it feels threatened by other animals, it lowers its head between its front legs, and then presents its false head."}, {"description": "The females lay clutch of three to ten eggs during the September\u2013December season (spring-summer). They put these in a nesting burrow about 30\u00a0cm underground. The eggs hatch after about three to four months.Pianka, E. R. 1997. Australia's thorny devil. Reptiles 5(11): 14-23.Predators that consume thorny dragons include wild birds and goannas."}, {"description": "The popular appeal of the thorny dragon is the basis of an anecdotal petty scam. American servicemen stationed in Southwest Australia decades ago (such as during World War II) were supposedly sold the thorny fruits of a species of weeds, the so-called \"double gee\" (Emex australis), but those were called \"thorny devil eggs\" as a part of the scam.Thorny devils have been kept in captivity."}, {"description": "The thorny dragon usually lives in the arid scrubland and desert that covers most of central Australia. For example, it inhabits the Spinifex (Triodia) sandplain and sandridge desert in the deep interior and the mallee belt.The habitation of the thorny dragon coincides mostly with the regions of sandy loam soils than with a particular climate in Western Australia.Pianka, E. R. and H. D. Pianka. 1970. The ecology of Moloch horridus (Lacertilia: Agamidae) in Western Australia. Copeia 1970: 90-103."}, {"description": "The diets of thorny devil mainly subsists on ants, especially Ochetellus flavipes and other species in the Iridomyrmex or Ochetellus genera. Thorny dragons often eat thousands of ants in one day.Thorny dragons collect moisture in the dry desert by the condensation of dew on their bodies at night. This dew forms on its skin, and then it is channelled to its mouth in hygroscopic grooves between its spines.Bentley, P. J. and F. C. Blumer. 1962. Uptake of water by the lizard, Moloch horridus. Nature 194: 699\u2013700. During rainfalls, capillary action allows the thorny dragon to suck in water from all over its body."}, {"description": "An intimidating array of spikes cover the entire upper side of the body of the thorny dragon. These thorny scales also help to defend it from predators. Camouflage and deception may also be used to evade predation. This lizard's unusual gait involves freezing and rocking as it moves about slowly in search of food, water, and mates."}, {"description": "The thorny dragon or thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is an Australian lizard, also known as the mountain devil, the thorny lizard, or the moloch. This is the sole species of genus Moloch. The thorny devil grows up to 20\u00a0cm (8.0\u00a0in) in length, and it can live for up to 20 years. Most of these lizards are coloured in camouflaging shades of desert browns and tans. These colours change from pale colours during warm weather and to darker colours during cold weather. These animals are covered entirely with conical spines that are mostly uncalcified.The thorny dragon also features a spiny \"false head\" on the back of its neck, and the lizard presents this to potential predators by dipping its real head. The \"false head\" is made of soft tissue. The females are larger than the males. The thorny dragon's body is ridged in structure, and this enables the animal to collect water from any part of its body. That water is then conveyed to its mouth."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Amphisbaenidae", "speciesKey": 104087132, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 104072682, "higherClassificationMap": {"103882489": "Chordata", "104072682": "Squamata", "103832354": "Metazoa", "104087039": "Amphisbaena", "104087037": "Amphisbaenidae"}, "species": "Amphisbaena microcephalum", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "smallhead worm lizard"}], "habitats": [], "familyKey": 104087037, "kingdom": "Metazoa", "parent": "Amphisbaena", "kingdomKey": 103832354, "taxonID": "643138", "genusKey": 104087039, "canonicalName": "Amphisbaena microcephalum", "key": 104087132, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 103882489, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "fab88965-e69d-4491-a04d-e3198b626e52", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Amphisbaena microcephalum", "genus": "Amphisbaena", "parentKey": 104087039, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Anguidae", "nubKey": 2468350, "speciesKey": 113290319, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113290272": "Anguidae", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113290317": "Pseudopus", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Pseudopus apodus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Scheltopusik"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113290272, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Pseudopus", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "468121", "genusKey": 113290317, "canonicalName": "Pseudopus apodus", "key": 113290319, "authorship": "Pallas, 1775", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Pseudopus apodus Pallas, 1775", "genus": "Pseudopus", "parentKey": 113290317, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "They are frequently available in the exotic pet trade, though rarely captive-bred. They do not typically tolerate a large amount of handling, but they adapt to captivity well, feeding on crickets, meal worms, small mice, eggs, snails or pieces of meat which they even accept from a keeper\u00b4s tweezers once they become used to captivity. They make hardy captives, capable of living up to 50 years.About 10 weeks after mating, the female lays about eight eggs which she hides under bark or a stone, and often guards them. The young hatch after 45 \u2013 55 days. They average about 15\u00a0cm long and usually start to eat after four days."}, {"description": "This lizard inhabits open country such as short grassland or sparsely wooded hills. The scheltopusik consumes arthropods and small mammals. Snails and slugs appear to be its favorite prey, which may explain why it is particularly active in wet weather, although it prefers a dry habitat.Due to its size, the scheltopusik tends to respond to harassment by hissing, biting, and musking. It is less likely to drop off its tail than some other species that display caudal autotomy. However, these occasional displays of caudal autotomy are responsible for the name \"glass lizard\" (or \"glass snake\"). The released tail may break into pieces, leading to the myth that the lizard can shatter like glass and reassemble itself later. In reality, if the tail is lost, it grows back slowly, but is shorter and darker; it may grow back to full length as it grows."}, {"description": "This lizard can reach a length of 135\u00a0cm. It has a tan coloration, paler on the ventral surface and the head, with a ring-like/segmented appearance that makes it look like a giant earthworm with a distinctive fold of skin down each side called a lateral groove. Small (2-mm) rear legs are sometimes visible near the cloaca. Though their legs are barely discernible, they can be easily distinguished from a snake by their ears, eyelids, and ventral scales."}, {"description": "The sheltopusik, also spelled scheltopusik, or European legless lizard (Pseudopus apodus) is a large glass lizard found from southern Europe to Central Asia. Its common name comes from , literally \"yellow-bellied\". It was previously in the genus Ophisaurus, but has been placed in its own genus Pseudopus."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 2451234, "speciesKey": 113293459, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113293433": "Sceloporus", "113293407": "Phrynosomatidae", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Sceloporus occidentalis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Western fence lizard (blue-belly)"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113293407, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Sceloporus", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "529896", "genusKey": 113293433, "canonicalName": "Sceloporus occidentalis", "key": 113293459, "authorship": "Baird & Girard, 1852", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Sceloporus occidentalis Baird and Girard, 1852", "genus": "Sceloporus", "parentKey": 113293433, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Taxonomy for the western fence lizard has been under much debate. S. occidentalis belongs in the order Squamata (snakes and lizards) and the suborder Iguania. The family in which it belongs is still under scrutiny. The family Phrynosomatidae, along with seven other families, used to be included in the single family Iguanidae, until Frost and Etheridge's (1989) analysis of iguanian systematics suggested the family be divided.Family Phrynosomatidae from Animal Diversity Web Some literature, however, still places the phrynosomatids in Iguanidae.Six subspecies are recognized, as follows: Island fence lizard, S. o. becki San Joaquin fence lizard, S. o. biseriatus Coast Range fence lizard, S. o. bocourtii Great Basin fence lizard, S. o. longipes Northwestern fence lizard, S. o. occidentalis Sierra fence lizard, 'S. o. taylori Some authors have raised the island fence lizard to specific rank, Sceloporus becki. However, recent work in molecular systematics has suggested there are four clades and 11 genetically separable populations, and the subspecies will probably have to be redefined."}, {"description": "Studies have shown Lyme disease is lower in areas where the lizards occur. When ticks carrying Lyme disease feed on these lizards' blood (which they commonly do, especially around their ears), a protein in their blood kills the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. The blood inside the ticks' gut is therefore cleansed and no longer carries Lyme disease.Lizards that fight Lyme disease from the California Academy of Sciences"}, {"description": "Western fence lizards measure 5.7-8.9\u00a0cm (snout-vent length)Stebbins, Robert C. \"A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians.\" 3rd ed. Peterson Field Guides, 2003 and a total length of about 21\u00a0cm.Sceloporus occidentalis from Idaho Museum of Natural History They are brown to black in color (the brown may be sandy or greenish) and have black stripes on their backs, but their most distinguishing characteristic is their bright blue bellies. The ventral sides of the limbs are yellow.Sceloporus occidentalis from San Diego Natural History Museum These lizards also have blue patches on their throats. This bright coloration is faint or absent in both females and juveniles. The scales of S. occidentalis are sharply keeled, and between the interparietal and rear of thighs, there are 35-57 scales.Many other lizards have similar bright-blue coloring. The eastern fence lizard, S. undulatus, instead of having one large patch on its throat, has two small patches. The sagebrush lizard, S. graciosus, lacks yellow limbs and has smaller dorsal scales. S. occidentalis also resembles the side-blotched lizard, Uta stansburiana. However, the axilla of U. stansburiana usually has a black spot behind it and it has a complete gular fold."}, {"description": "Although California is the heart of the range of this lizard, it is also found in eastern and southwestern Oregon (some populations are found even north of Seattle, WA), as well as in the Columbia River Gorge, southwestern Idaho, Nevada, western Utah, northwestern Baja California, Arizona, and some of the islands off the coast of both California and Baja California.C. Michael Hogan (2008) \"Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)\", Globaltwitcher, ed. Nicklas Stromberg [1]The western fence lizard occupies a variety of habitats. It is found in grassland, broken chaparral, sagebrush, woodland, coniferous forest, and farmland, and occupies elevations from sea level to 10,800\u00a0ft. They generally avoid the harsh desert.As of now, the western fence lizard is listed as unprotected, and no conservation restrictions apply."}, {"description": "These lizards are commonly seen sunning on paths, rocks, and fence posts, and other high places, which makes them an easy target for predation by snakes, birds, and even some mammals, such as shrews. They protect themselves by employing their fast reflexes, which are common in many other lizards.The western fence lizard eats spiders and insects.Like most other lizards, S. occidentalis goes through a period of hibernation during the winter. The length of time and when they emerge varies depending on climate. During the mating season, adult males will defend a home range."}, {"description": "The western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) is a common lizard of California and the surrounding area. Because the ventral abdomen of an adult is characteristically blue, it is also known as the blue-belly.It is a member of the genus Sceloporus (the spiny lizards)."}, {"description": "Western fence lizards mate in the spring, and do not breed until the spring of their second year. Females lay one to three clutches of three to 17 eggs (usually eight) between April and July. The eggs hatch in August."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Scincidae", "nubKey": 2462660, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2462660, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "9115": "Scincidae", "1": "Animalia", "2462629": "Eulamprus", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Eulamprus quoyii", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Eastern Water Skink"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Eastern Water-skink"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Eastern Water Skink"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9115, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Eulamprus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119585298", "genusKey": 2462629, "canonicalName": "Eulamprus quoyii", "key": 2462660, "authorship": "Quoy & Gaimard, 1824", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Eulamprus quoyii Quoy & Gaimard, 1824", "genus": "Eulamprus", "parentKey": 2462629, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Eastern Water Skink, Eastern Water-skink, or Golden Water Skink (Eulamprus quoyii) is a species of diurnal Scincidae that occurs in Australia, primarily in the southeast."}, {"description": "The Eastern water skink is usually found close to or on the shore of slow flowing creeks and estuaries, hence its name. Although, the Eastern water skink is not restricted to areas near freshwater, it is frequently found in somewhat dry environments, including sandstone outcroppings and savanna. The distribution of the Eastern Water Skink ranges from southern Victoria to central Queensland."}, {"description": "NSW-NS"}, {"description": "QLD-QU"}, {"description": "SOA-OO"}, {"description": "VIC-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 5222455, "speciesKey": 113423131, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113423118": "Phrynosomatidae", "113423128": "Phrynosoma", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Phrynosoma ditmarsi", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "rock horned lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113423118, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phrynosoma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "2905796", "genusKey": 113423128, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma ditmarsi", "key": 113423131, "authorship": "Stejneger, 1906", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma ditmarsi Stejneger, 1906", "genus": "Phrynosoma", "parentKey": 113423128, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Its specific name, ditmarsi, is in honor of Raymond Lee Ditmars, the first curator of reptiles of the Bronx Zoo, and a pioneer in herpetology.Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Phrynosoma ditmarsi, p. 73)."}, {"description": "The rock horned lizard has its occipital and temporal horns reduced to flaring expansions. It has a deep and narrow occipital notch and a high postorbital ridge. The mandibles of Phrynosoma ditmarsi feature a large vertical expansion. It has a bare tympanum in the anterior neck fold posterior to a vertical row of four spines. One row of the rock horned lizard's lateral abdominal fringe scales is surrounded by prominent scales."}, {"description": "The rock horned lizard or Ditmars' horned lizard (Phrynosoma ditmarsi ) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard endemic to Sonora in northern Mexico, south of the Arizona border. Bearing the shortest horns of all the horned lizards, it lives in thorn-scrub and deciduous Sinaloan woodlands. The rock horned lizard was \"lost\" to science for about 65 years. It has a unique habitat preference and limited distribution. It also had a very imprecise holotype locality record which made it difficult to locate. An extraordinary effort by Vincent Roth based on a cross-correlational analysis of gut contents from only three specimens led to its rediscovery."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Agamidae", "nubKey": 2465884, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2465884, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2466496": "Calotes", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "9199": "Agamidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Calotes emma", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Emmas Sch\u00f6nechse"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Forest Garden Lizard"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Hinterindische Sch\u00f6nechse"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9199, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Calotes", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119583729", "genusKey": 2466496, "canonicalName": "Calotes emma", "key": 2465884, "authorship": "Gray, 1845", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Calotes emma Gray, 1845", "genus": "Calotes", "parentKey": 2466496, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Emma Gray's forest lizard (Calotes emma), also known as the forest crested lizard, is an agamid lizard found in South China (Guangdong, Yunnan), India (Assam), Burma (= Myanmar), Thailand (including Phuket), Laos, Vietnam (including Pulo Condore Islands), Peninsular Malaysia, and Cambodia. It is also reported from the Satchari National Park of Bangladesh."}, {"description": "Albert G\u00fcnther, in his treatise \"The Reptiles of British India\", described Calotes emma as follows: Three small groups of spines, completely separate from each other, on each side of the head\u2014one behind the superciliary margin and two above each tympanum. Dorsal crest well developed on the neck and on the anterior part of the trunk, gradually disappearing behind. A transverse fold in front of each shoulder; gular sac but little developed. Tail compressed. About fifty-one series of scales round the middle of the trunk. Brownish olive, with brown bands across the back, which arc lighter in the middle and interrupted by a white band running along each side of the back; eyelids with short, radiating brown streaks; a brown band from behind the eye to above the tympanum; fold before the shoulder black, with an irregular white margin; legs and tail with indistinct dark cross bands. An inhabitant of Mergui, whence we have received it from Professor Oldham, ranging northwards perhaps to the Khasya Hills; extremely doubtful as an inhabitant of Afghanistan. It attains to a length of 11 inches, the tail measuring 8 inches. Mr. Blyth mentions it amongst a collection made by Captain Bedmore at Schwe Gyen on the Sitang River in Pegu."}, {"description": "Calotes emma alticristatus Calotes emma emma"}, {"description": "ASS-AS"}, {"description": "CBD-OO"}, {"description": "CHC-YN"}, {"description": "CHS-GD"}, {"description": "LAO-OO"}, {"description": "THA-OO"}, {"description": "VIE-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Agamidae", "nubKey": 5226126, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110944715, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "109354902": "Animalia", "110944037": "Agamidae", "110775394": "Chordata", "110944600": "Draco", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Draco quinquefasciatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Five-banded Gliding Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Five-lined Flying Dragon"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "F\u00fcnfband-Flugdrache"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110944037, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Draco", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13200184", "genusKey": 110944600, "canonicalName": "Draco quinquefasciatus", "key": 110944715, "authorship": "Hardwicke & Gray, 1827", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Draco quinquefasciatus Hardwicke & Gray, 1827", "genus": "Draco", "parentKey": 110944600, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "THA-OO"}, {"description": "MLY-SI"}]}
{"numOccurrences": 0, "nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "synonym": true, "higherClassificationMap": {"104097523": "Micrurus"}, "parent": "Micrurus", "datasetKey": "fab88965-e69d-4491-a04d-e3198b626e52", "threatStatuses": [], "acceptedKey": 104097550, "vernacularNames": [], "canonicalName": "Atlantic coral snake", "taxonID": "e26627", "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Atlantic coral snake", "descriptions": [], "key": 103901596, "taxonomicStatus": "SYNONYM", "habitats": [], "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "accepted": "Micrurus diastema", "parentKey": 104097523}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Atractaspididae", "nubKey": 2472570, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2472570, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "2469991": "Atractaspis", "1": "Animalia", "5127": "Atractaspididae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Atractaspis engaddensis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Israeli mole viper"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Israeli Mole Viper"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5127, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Atractaspis", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119583289", "genusKey": 2469991, "canonicalName": "Atractaspis engaddensis", "key": 2472570, "authorship": "Haas, 1950", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Atractaspis engaddensis Haas, 1950", "genus": "Atractaspis", "parentKey": 2469991, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Atractaspis engaddensis is an African venomous snake found in Israel, including Palestinian territories, Sinai, Jordan, SW/C Saudi Arabia and Lebanon."}, {"description": "It can also be called Israeli Mole Viper.http://apps.who.int/bloodproducts/snakeantivenoms/database/Images/SnakesDistribution/Large/map_Atractaspis_engaddensis.pdf It is a venomous snake native to Africa and its body is usually dark black color and it has small eyes with round pupils. The tail is short and pointy. Its approximate size is one meter long."}, {"description": "They prefer hatchling snakes but they can also eat small mammals like baby rodents."}, {"description": "Three isotoxins, named sarafotoxins S6a1, S6b and S6c, with strong cardiotoxic activity were isolated from the venom of a snake, Atractaspis engaddensis. All three sarafotoxins are homologous peptides (four or less than four residue replacements) consisting of 21 amino acid residues. Their structure and activity are novel among snake venom components. The venom from the snake Atractaspis engaddensis has a very high lethal potency, with an i.v. LD50 of 0.06-0.075 micrograms per g body weight in mice. The action of the venom is rapid and death results from seemingly neurotoxic effects. However, even at high concentrations, the venom does not block contractions of skeletal muscles that are directly or indirectly stimulated. The most prominent action of the venom is seen in the function of the heart in anesthetized mice, with or without artificial respiration. The changes observed in the ECG are similar to those recorded in human victims and are the result of an A-V block that is caused by an apparent direct action of the venom on the heart."}, {"description": "LBS-LB"}, {"description": "PAL-IS"}, {"description": "PAL-JO"}, {"description": "SAU-OO"}, {"description": "SIN-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Typhlopidae", "nubKey": 2471672, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2471672, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"5021": "Typhlopidae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2471643": "Ramphotyphlops", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Ramphotyphlops braminus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Brahmanen-Wurmschlange"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Brahminy blind snake"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Brahminy blindsnake"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Serpiente-ciega de Braminy"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "bootlace snake"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "flowerpot snake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Bootlace Snake"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Brahmanen-Wurmschlange"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Brahminy blindsnake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Flowerpot Snake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Brahminy Blind Snake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Brahminy Blindsnake"}, {"language": "spa", "vernacularName": "Serpiente-ciega de Braminy"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5021, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Ramphotyphlops", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119588578", "genusKey": 2471643, "canonicalName": "Ramphotyphlops braminus", "key": 2471672, "authorship": "Daudin, 1803", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Ramphotyphlops braminus Daudin, 1803", "genus": "Ramphotyphlops", "parentKey": 2471643, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Common names: Brahminy blind snake, Brahminy blindsnake, more. Ramphotyphlops braminus is a harmless blind snake species found mostly in Africa and Asia, but has been introduced in many other parts of the world. Completely fossorial, they are often mistaken for earthworms, except that they are not segmented. The specific name is a Latinized form of the word Brahmin, which is a caste among Hindus. No subspecies are currently recognized."}, {"description": "Ramphotyphlops braminus is variously known as Brahminy blind snake (or Brahminy blindsnake), flowerpot snake, common blind snake, island blind snake, and Hawaiian blind snake. The moniker \"flowerpot snake\" derives from the snake's incidental introduction to various parts of the world through the plant trade."}, {"description": "Adults are small and thin. Averaging between 6.35-16.5\u00a0cm (2\u00bd to 6\u00bd inches) in length. The head and tail-tip look much the same, with no narrowing of the neck. The rudimentary eyes appear only as a pair of small dots under the head scales. The tip of the tail ends with a tiny pointed spur. The head scales are small and resemble those on the body. There are 20 rows of dorsal scales along the entire body. The coloration of the adults varies from shiny silver gray to charcoal gray or purple. The venter is grayish to brown. Juveniles are colored much the same as the adults.Brahminy Blind Snake at the Florida State Museum of Natural History. Accessed 30 August 2007.The tiny eyes are covered with translucent scales, rendering these snakes almost entirely blind. The eyes cannot form images, but are still capable of registering light intensity."}, {"description": "Their diet consists of the larvae, eggs, and pupae of ants and termites."}, {"description": "Found in Africa and Asia, but being an introduced species in many parts of the world, it is also found in Australia and the Americas. It is common throughout most of Florida [1]In Africa, it has been reported in Senegal, Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Somalia, Zanzibar, coastal Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa (an isolated colony in Cape Town, also about 8 have been found in Lephalale, Limpopo Province at the Medupi Power Station during construction), Madagascar, the Comoro Islands, Mauritius, the Mascarene Islands and the Seychelles. In Asia it occurs in Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, mainland India, the Maldives, the Lakshadweep Islands, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Andaman Islands, the Nicobar Islands, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawashima and Miyakoshima, Taiwan, Hong Kong, southern China, Hainan, the Malay Peninsula, the Maritime Southeast Asia including Singapore, Sumatra and nearby islands (the Riao Archipelago, Bangka, Billiton and Nias), Borneo, Sulawesi, the Philippines, Butung, Salajar, Ternate, Halmahera, Buru, Ceram, Ambon, Saparua, Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Madura, Flores, Lomblen, Sumba, Timor, Kai Island, the Aru Islands (requires confirmation according to McDowell, 1974:25), New Guinea (Irian Jaya and Papua New Guinea), New Britain and Bougainville Island. In Australia in the Northern Territory near Darwin and the northern tip of Queensland). It occurs in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, on Christmas Island, Palau, Guam, and Saipan. The Americas in the United States (California, Massachusetts, Florida, The Hawaiian Islands, Texas and Louisiana), western and southern Mexico and Guatemala and in the Cayman Islands. The vertical distribution is from sea level to 1,200 m in Sri Lanka and up to 1,500 m in Guatemala. The type locality given is \"Vizagapatam\" [India].This is also the only snake reported from Lakshadweep Islands.Whitaker R. 1978. Common Indian Snakes: A Field Guide. Chennai: Macmillan India Limited. 154 pp. ISBN 978-0333901984."}, {"description": "Usually occur in urban and agricultural areas. These snakes live underground in ant and termite nests. They are also found under logs, moist leaves and humus in wet forest, dry jungle and even city gardens. The distribution and survival of this group of snakes directly reflects soil humidity and temperature."}, {"description": "This species is parthenogenetic and all specimens collected so far have been female. They lay eggs or may bear live young. Up to eight offspring are produced: all female and all genetically identical."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Hydrophiidae or", "nubKey": 5222129, "speciesKey": 113526971, "rank": "SPECIES", "orderKey": 113526939, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113526969": "Hydrophiidae or", "113526939": "Squamata", "113526938": "Reptilia", "113526970": "Laticauda"}, "species": "Laticauda semifasciata", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Black-banded sea krait"}], "classKey": 113526938, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113526969, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Laticauda", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "12160195", "genusKey": 113526970, "canonicalName": "Laticauda semifasciata", "key": 113526971, "authorship": " (Reinwardt in Schlegel, 1837)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Laticauda semifasciata (Reinwardt in Schlegel, 1837)", "genus": "Laticauda", "parentKey": 113526970, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Male and female snakes reach sexual maturity at snout-vent lengths of 70 and 80 cm, respectively. Females lay 3\u20137 eggs that hatch after 4\u20135 months. It can reach 170 cm in total length."}, {"description": "The black-banded sea krait, or Chinese sea snake (Laticauda semifasciata), known in Japan as erabu umi hebi (ja:%E3%82%A8%E3%83%A9%E3%83%96%E3%82%A6%E3%83%9F%E3%83%98%E3%83%93), and Okinawa as the irabu, is a member of the Laticauda genus of sea snakes. It is found in most of the warm waters of the western Pacific Ocean.This high snake frequents coral reef areas. It has a short head, thick trunk, and no easily discernible neck. The tail is simply extended skin, spread wide like a fin, and unsupported by any projection. The stomach is comparatively wide. Massing together near the shore, they breed between narrow cracks in the reef and in caves. It is a nocturnal snake, rarely seen during the day. It requires oxygen to breathe, so breaks the surface at least once every six hours.It is too slow to catch fish in a straight chase, so it hunts for fish hiding in the coral. The bite is highly venomous and paralyzes the prey. Females lay their eggs on land.Generally, the species is found in Fiji, southern Japan and Singapore. Their venom is ten times stronger than that of a cobra, making them extremely dangerous. Fortunately, this snake does not bite humans unless it feels threatened.The erabu snake is a winter staple in southern Japan, where it is believed to replenish a female's womanhood. Irabu soup irabu-jiru (ja:%E3%82%A4%E3%83%A9%E3%83%96%E3%83%BC%E6%B1%81)http://en.okinawa2go.jp/u/gourmet/1g8p1vfsa9mvik is said to taste like miso and a bit like tuna. This soup was a part of the royal court cuisine of Ryukyu Kingdom; it is thought to have analeptic properties."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Trogonophiidae", "nubKey": 2450987, "speciesKey": 104087335, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 104072682, "higherClassificationMap": {"103882489": "Chordata", "104072682": "Squamata", "103832354": "Metazoa", "104087323": "Trogonophiidae", "104087331": "Diplometopon"}, "species": "Diplometopon zarudnyi", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Zarudnyi's worm lizard"}], "habitats": [], "familyKey": 104087323, "kingdom": "Metazoa", "parent": "Diplometopon", "kingdomKey": 103832354, "taxonID": "94420", "genusKey": 104087331, "canonicalName": "Diplometopon zarudnyi", "key": 104087335, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 103882489, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "fab88965-e69d-4491-a04d-e3198b626e52", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Diplometopon zarudnyi", "genus": "Diplometopon", "parentKey": 104087331, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Corytophanidae", "nubKey": 2448619, "rank": "GENUS", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113415521": "Squamata", "113419773": "Corytophanidae", "113415011": "Reptilia", "113301736": "Chordata"}, "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "basilisk"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113419773, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Corytophanidae", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "322628", "genusKey": 113419775, "canonicalName": "Basiliscus", "key": 113419775, "authorship": "Laurenti, 1768", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Basiliscus Laurenti, 1768", "genus": "Basiliscus", "parentKey": 113419773, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The basilisk has blue spots and a yellow iris, on average measures 70 to 75\u00a0mm (2.8\u20133.0\u00a0in), and weighs about 80\u00a0grams (3.2\u00a0oz). Its growth is perpetual, fast when they are young and nonlinear for mature basilisks. Its long crest-like sails, reinforced in three distinct points (head, back, and tail), confer the impression of creatures such as Dimetrodon and Edaphosaurus. Its skin is shed in pieces."}, {"description": "Jesus Christ lizards Mystical lizards"}, {"description": "The basilisk can burrow into sand to hide from predators; a ring of muscles around both nostrils prevents sand from entering the basilisk's nose."}, {"description": "Abundant in the tropical rain forests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Ecuador and Venezuela. Recently introduced to Florida, it has adapted to the colder winters by burrowing into the leaf litter for warmth. Current reports sight the basilisk as far north as Fort Pierce, on the state's East Coast, where small groups have crept up the North Fork of the Saint Lucie River."}, {"description": "Genus Basiliscus common basilisk, Basiliscus basiliscus (Linnaeus, 1758) red-headed basilisk, Basiliscus galeritus A.M.C. Dum\u00e9ril & A. Dum\u00e9ril, 1851 plumed basilisk, Basiliscus plumifrons Cope, 1876 striped or brown basilisk, Basiliscus vittatus Wiegmann, 1828The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org."}, {"description": "DISPLAYTITLE Basiliscus is a genus of large corytophanid lizards, commonly known as basilisks, which are endemic to southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Commonly known as the Jesus Christ Lizard, or simply the Jesus Lizard due to their ability to run across water for significant distances before sinking."}, {"description": "The basilisk sometimes runs as a biped. Basilisks have the unique ability to \"run\" on water and, because of this, they have been dubbed as \"The Jesus Christ lizard\" in reference to the biblical passage of Matthew 14:22-34.How \"Jesus Lizards\" Walk on Water. News.nationalgeographic.com. Retrieved on 2010-08-19. On water, the basilisk can run at a velocity of 1.5 meters (4.9\u00a0feet) per second for approximately 4.5 meters (14.8\u00a0feet) before sinking on all fours and swimming. Flaps between their toes help support the basilisk, creating a larger surface and a pocket of air. They can also sustain themselves on all fours while \"water-walking\" to increase the distance travelled above the surface by about 1.3 meters (4.3\u00a0feet)."}, {"description": "Both the generic name, Basiliscus, and the common name, \"basilisk\", derive from the Greek basil\u00edskos (\u03b2\u03b1\u03c3\u03b9\u03bb\u03af\u03c3\u03ba\u03bf\u03c2) meaning \"little king\". The specific epithet, vittatus, which is Latin for \"striped\", was given in Carolus Linnaeus' 10th edition of Systema Naturae."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xantusidae", "nubKey": 2451721, "speciesKey": 113428065, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415521": "Squamata", "113428062": "Xantusidae", "113428063": "Xantusia", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Xantusia henshawi", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Granite night lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113428062, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Xantusia", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "3443699", "genusKey": 113428063, "canonicalName": "Xantusia henshawi", "key": 113428065, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Xantusia henshawi", "genus": "Xantusia", "parentKey": 113428063, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Granite night lizard is a flat-bodied species of lizard with a broad, flat head and a soft skin. It has rounded, dark dorsal spots on a pale yellow or cream background. Its scales are granular on its dorsum, but large and squarish on the ventral surface. These lizards have large eyes with vertical pupils, and they lack eyelids.Granite night lizards most often occurs on rocky slopes with large, exfoliating boulders and abundant crevices, but are occasionally found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral without boulders. They are active in crevices during the day, but move on the surface at night."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Scincidae", "nubKey": 2462515, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110977487, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "110977484": "Tiliqua", "109354902": "Animalia", "110775394": "Chordata", "110972349": "Scincidae", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Tiliqua gigas", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Giant Bluetongue Skink"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110972349, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Tiliqua", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13209863", "genusKey": 110977484, "canonicalName": "Tiliqua gigas", "key": 110977487, "authorship": " (Schneider, 1801)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 3, "scientificName": "Tiliqua gigas (Schneider, 1801)", "genus": "Tiliqua", "parentKey": 110977484, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "NWG-PN"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Amphisbaenidae", "nubKey": 2472854, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2472854, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2472852": "Zygaspis", "358": "Reptilia", "715": "Squamata", "5682": "Amphisbaenidae"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Zygaspis quadrifrons", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Kalahari round-snouted worm lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "KalahariRound-snouted Worm Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5682, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Zygaspis", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119590271", "genusKey": 2472852, "canonicalName": "Zygaspis quadrifrons", "key": 2472854, "authorship": "Peters, 1862", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 3, "scientificName": "Zygaspis quadrifrons Peters, 1862", "genus": "Zygaspis", "parentKey": 2472852, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "BOT-OO"}, {"description": "MOZ-OO"}, {"description": "NAM-OO"}, {"description": "ZAM-OO"}, {"description": "ZIM-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 5222466, "speciesKey": 113423136, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113423118": "Phrynosomatidae", "113423128": "Phrynosoma", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Phrynosoma solare", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Regal horned lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113423118, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phrynosoma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "27589223", "genusKey": 113423128, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma solare", "key": 113423136, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma solare Gray, 1845ZipcodeZoo.com", "genus": "Phrynosoma", "parentKey": 113423128, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Mating for the Regal Horned lizard begins in late April, peaks in June, and stops abruptly in July. Egg laying starts a few weeks later, usually in late July and early August. About 10-30 eggs are laid on average usually 15. The eggs are laid in the sand and are required to stay there for several weeks. The egg shells are white and flexible and average about one-half inch in diameter. The hatch-lings receive no parental care upon hatching and immediately bury themselves in the sand. They are now responsible for finding and hunting for their own food. Several diverting tactics are used to attract a mate, such as: head bopping, push ups, and nodding of the head."}, {"description": "This horned lizard occupies primarily level or gently sloping terrain with openly spaced desert vegetation such as mesquite, creosote bush, and saguaro cactus.UTexas.eduCan be found primarily in a hot and dry climate where the Earth may be covered in limestone dustSonoran Desert Mountains is where it prefers its climate, but can be found in Texas,southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico"}, {"description": "This lizard can be found across southeastern Arizona and along the transition of the southern zone of the central mountains region.http://www.reptilesofaz.org/Lizards-Subpages/h-p-solare.html"}, {"description": "They eat mostly harvester ants, and can eat twenty-five hundred ants in one meal. They are slow eaters, because they spend most of their time in the intense heat of the desert during meals.Nature\u2019s Monsters: Lizards, Brenda Ralph Lewis, Gareth Stevens publishing,2006, p.\u00a020-21)Eats flies, spiders, and a variety of insects.book \"lizards od the world\" author chris Mattison"}, {"description": "The regal horned lizard is a small, flat lizard about the size of the palm of a man's hand. Though it has spikes all around its body, the regal horn\u2019s main defense is the ability to squirt blood from its eyes. 3-4 inches in length from nose to tail as a full adult. Pale grey to yellow-brown or reddish topped with dark blotches along side the body and back. 4 legs each leg with 4 toes and claws on each leg. Slow runner uses camouflage to escape predators"}, {"description": "This is a year-round active type of lizard, but during winter, its activity is usually restricted to unseasonably warm days. They may hibernate late September through October. The lizard basks in the sun with only its head poking out of the sand. The blood is heated within a chamber inside the head. When the blood is hot enough, the reptile opens a valve in its neck and circulates the blood around the body. It looks for shelter from cold temperatures by digging holes in the ground. When it is threatened or captured, it squirts blood from its eye. This blood may have a taste used to deter predators. If the camouflage and intimidation does not work, that is when they squirt out blood aiming for the predators mouth and eyes. This stream can range up to 4 feet and may be repeated several times. The stream comes out through its lower eyelids' pores. Some other defensive behaviors include gulping air and poking with the horns."}, {"description": "The regal horned lizard (Phrynosoma solare) is a horned lizard species native to Mexico and the Southwest United States.UTexas.edu"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Scincidae", "nubKey": 5225137, "speciesKey": 113423898, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113415521": "Squamata", "113423851": "Chalcides", "113423785": "Scincidae", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Chalcides ocellatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Ocellated Skink"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113423785, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Chalcides", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "14198364", "genusKey": 113423851, "canonicalName": "Chalcides ocellatus", "key": 113423898, "authorship": "Forssk\u00e5l, 1775", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Chalcides ocellatus Forssk\u00e5l, 1775", "genus": "Chalcides", "parentKey": 113423851, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Chalcides ocellatus, or Ocellated Skink (also known as Eyed Skink or gongiloDigimorph from the NSF Library at UT-Austin, Chalcides ocellatus) is a species of skink found in Greece, southern Italy, Malta, and parts of northern Africa.Amphibians and Reptiles of EuropeArikan, et al.. \"An Investigation on the Blood-Serum Proteins of Chalcides ocellatus (Sauria: Scincidae) Populations from Southern Anatolia.\" Tr. J. of Zoology 22 (1998) 175-177. As an adult, it generally reaches about 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) of length with a 22 to 39 g weighthttp://www.arkive.org/ocellated-skink/chalcides-ocellatus/ and has a small head, cylindrical body, and five toes on each foot. They are very agile and are often found in arid areas.Fauna Import UK It is strongly related to Chalcides colosii, and C. colosii was formerly considered a subspecies of C. ocellatus.Schleich, Hans-Hermann, et al.. Amphibians and Reptiles of North Africa: Biology, Systematics, Field Guide. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1996. C. ocellatus is notable for the presence of ocelli and for its wide variety of coloration patterns. It preys on various insects, including those with hard exoskeletons, arachnids, and small lizards, including its own young.Vladim\u00edr Cerha, Miroslav Koci\u00e1n, Scinkov\u00e9, varani a je\u0161t\u011brky, Polaris, Fren\u0161t\u00e1t p.R., p. 85 In captivity it also eats sweet fruits, boiled eggs and pieces of meat. Females of the species give birth to live young through vivipary.C. ocellatus is considered to be a generalist species and can be found in a wide variety of environments, such as farmland and gravel deserts around the Mediterranean coast. Its main escape tactic from predators is to run behind vegetation, most likely because it is not suited to run very fast. Its limbs are somewhat short, but not adapted for fossorial movement.Omar Attum, Perri Eason and Gary Cobbs. \"Morphology, niche segregation, and escape tactics in a sand dune lizard community\", Journal of Arid Environments 68:4, 564-573 March 2007"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Leiocephalidae", "nubKey": 5224797, "speciesKey": 113422624, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113422615": "Leiocephalidae", "113422619": "Leiocephalus", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Leiocephalus eremitus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Navassa curly-tailed lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113422615, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Leiocephalus", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "12504329", "genusKey": 113422619, "canonicalName": "Leiocephalus eremitus", "key": 113422624, "authorship": " (Cope, 1868)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Leiocephalus eremitus (Cope, 1868)", "genus": "Leiocephalus", "parentKey": 113422619, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Nothing is known about its biology. The reason for its extinction is unknown too, but it might have been due to the alteration of its habitat."}, {"description": "The Navassa curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus eremitus) is an extinct lizard species from the family of curly-tailed lizards (Leiocephalidae). It is known only from the one female specimen from which it was described in 1868. A second specimen which was collected by Rollo Beck in 1917 was identified as a Tiburon curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus melanochlorus) by herpetologist Richard Thomas in 1966."}, {"description": "Leiocephalus eremitus was endemic to Navassa Island."}, {"description": "The size of the holotype is given as 64\u00a0mm (2\u00bd inches) snout-vent length (SVL). The head and ventral scales are smooth. The dorsal scales are larger than the scales on the flanks and the ventral scales. The dorsum is dark gray with nine dark transverse bars. The tail is pale with transverse bars on the basal half and uniformly dark dark gray to black on the posterior half. Throat, breast, belly and the extremities are brown with pale-tipped scales."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Agamidae", "speciesKey": 104092000, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 104072682, "higherClassificationMap": {"103882489": "Chordata", "104072682": "Squamata", "103832354": "Metazoa", "104091991": "Saara", "104090613": "Agamidae"}, "species": "Saara hardwickii", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Indian spiny-tailed lizard"}], "habitats": [], "familyKey": 104090613, "kingdom": "Metazoa", "parent": "Saara", "kingdomKey": 103832354, "taxonID": "40250", "genusKey": 104091991, "canonicalName": "Saara hardwickii", "key": 104092000, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 103882489, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "fab88965-e69d-4491-a04d-e3198b626e52", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Saara hardwickii", "genus": "Saara", "parentKey": 104091991, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Madtsoiidae", "nubKey": 4820465, "accordingTo": "Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera", "rank": "GENUS", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"1": "Animalia", "44": "Chordata", "4820460": "Madtsoiidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": true, "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 4820460, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Madtsoiidae", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "102298056", "genusKey": 4820465, "canonicalName": "Alamitophis", "key": 4820465, "authorship": "Albino, 1986", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "publishedIn": "In: Anon 4 congreso Argentino de paleontologia y bioestratigrafia: Mendoza, Noviembre 23-27, 1986. Actas 2. 1986. Publisher not given, Mendoza: 16.", "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Alamitophis Albino, 1986", "genus": "Alamitophis", "parentKey": 4820460, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Alamitophis is a genus of fossil snake in the extinct family of Madtsoiidae. Its length is 80\u00a0cm and it fed on frogs, lizards, and small mammals. It is found in Australia and Argentina."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 5222418, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 5222418, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"5016": "Phrynosomatidae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2451046": "Phrynosoma", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Phrynosoma mcallii", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Flat-tail horned lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Flat-tail Horned Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Flat-tail horned lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Flat-tailed Horned Lizard"}, {"language": "spa", "vernacularName": "Lagartija-cornuda cola plana"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5016, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phrynosoma", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119588093", "genusKey": 2451046, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma mcallii", "key": 5222418, "authorship": "Hallowell, 1852", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma mcallii Hallowell, 1852", "genus": "Phrynosoma", "parentKey": 2451046, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "This lizard is threatened by development, agriculture, and other man-made intrusions into their small range. The majority of their remaining habitat in the US is administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The species (Phrynosoma mcallii) frequently coexists with sources of natural gas, oil, geothermal energy, and minerals which can found in its habitat. In 1982, the US Fish and Wildlife Service declared P. mcallii as a Candidate 2 Category for the list of threatened and endangered species due to concerns over potential threats to their habitat which could further diminish the population. P. mcallii has also been given special status in both California and Arizona, which prevents their collection.Experiments have been conducted to investigate the \"fluctuations in populations of flat-tailed horned lizards, Phrynosoma mcallii, in the Coachella Valley, California. This species has the smallest range of any horned lizard in the United States. In parts of its range, there are potentially conflicting activities, such as suburban development, agriculture, off-road recreation, and activities along the international border.\"\"Between 1978 and 1980 the Bureau of Land Management supported investigations of the status of P. mcallii in California. The purpose of this work was to determine the local distribution and relative abundance of P. mcallii, to correlate these parameters with various habitat attributes, and to gather information on the structure of the populations and mobility and food habits of individual lizards.\"The study also looked at the flat-tailed horned lizard's distribution and abundance throughout Arizona. The species was found to be restricted to an area of desert, 650\u2013700\u00a0km2 in size, in the southwestern corner of the state. The species was most abundant in places with the Western whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris), nests of the black harvester ant (Messor pergandei), galleta grass (Hilaria rigida) and sandy soils."}, {"description": "The flat-tail horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) is a reptile of the Sonoran desert of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Its multiple adaptations for camouflage help to minimise its shadow. The species is threatened, with a restricted range under pressure from human activities such as agriculture and development, and is specially protected in the United States."}, {"description": "The flat-tail horned lizard has evolved elaborate camouflage measures to eliminate shadow. Their bodies are flattened, with the sides thinning to an edge; the animals habitually press their bodies to the ground; and their sides are fringed with white scales which effectively hide and disrupt any remaining areas of shadow there may be under the edge of the body.Sherbrooke, 2003. pp.117\u2013121Different populations of the species match their local backgrounds using a combination of colour-creating cells in their back scales. These cells include black melanophores and red chromatophores in an upper layer, scattered over a layer of white reflective iridophores, enabling the flat-tail horned lizard to match the local soil or rock. So for example the Algondones Dunes population of San Luis, Sonora is generally redder than the population on the whiter Thousand Palms dunes of California. In addition, the dark midline helps to disrupt the outline of the lizard, resembling the thin shadows of plant stems in its windswept sand habitat."}, {"description": "The flat-tail horned lizard is named for Colonel George A. M'Call, who collected the first specimen in California in the 19th century. The species occupies a small range in the Sonoran Desert of southeastern California, southwestern Arizona, and extreme northern Mexico in the Baja California and Sonora states.Rorabaugh, 1987. Over time, horned lizard populations have adapted to climate, food, and predators, causing them to in some ways be distinct from one another.Sherbrooke, 2003. \"A medium-sized flat-bodied lizard with a wide oval-shaped body and scattered enlarged pointed scales on the upper body and tail. The back skin is smooth with small spines. 8 horns extend from the back of the head. The two central horns are long, slender and sharp. Long and narrow spines on the lower jaw and two rows of fringe scales on the sides of the body, the bottom row scales smaller than the upper.\""}, {"description": "CAL-OO"}, {"description": "MXN-BC"}, {"description": "MXN-SO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gekkonidae", "nubKey": 2446892, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2446892, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "5666": "Gekkonidae", "2446849": "Strophurus", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Strophurus ciliaris", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Spiny-tailed gecko"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Spiny-tailed Gecko"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Stachelschwanzgecko"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Spiny Tailed Gecko - Strophurus ciliaris"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5666, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Strophurus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119584791", "genusKey": 2446849, "canonicalName": "Strophurus ciliaris", "key": 2446892, "authorship": "Boulenger, 1885", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Strophurus ciliaris Boulenger, 1885", "genus": "Strophurus", "parentKey": 2446849, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "NSW-NS"}, {"description": "NTA-OO"}, {"description": "QLD-QU"}, {"description": "SOA-OO"}, {"description": "WAU-WA"}, {"description": "This species has one desert form and one tropical form.Horner, P. & Hutchinson, M. 2010. Strophurus ciliaris. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.1. . Downloaded on 06 October 2013. There are two sub species Strophurus ciliaris ciliaris and Strophurus ciliaris aberrans.Wilson, S., & Swan, G. (2008). A complete guide to reptiles of Australia. Chatswood: New Holland Publishers"}, {"description": "Strophurus is a genus of the Gekkonidae family found in Australia, given the common name of spiny-tailed geckos. This species was previously known as Diplodactylus ciliaris. The meaning of this species name comes from Strophurus meaning 'turning-tail' and ciliaris meaning 'eyelashed', referring to the spines above the eyes.Ehmann, Harald (1992). Encyclopedia of Australian animals: Reptiles. Angus and Robertson. 495 pp"}, {"description": "Strophurus ciliaris are highly variable in colour.Cogger, H. G. (1996). Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia. Port Melbourne: Reed this species can vary from a uniform grey colour with few black or orange scales to rich brown with a mottled pattern of grey, white and orage scales. Spines are present along the tail and long spines are generally present above the eyes giving the impression of being eye-lashed.Wilson, S., & Swan, G. (2008). A complete guide to reptiles of Australia. Chatswood: New Holland Publishers The average length for a member of this species is 89\u00a0mm.Females are known to be significantly larger than males.How, R., Dell, J., & Wellington, B. (1986). Comparative Biology of Eight Species of Diplodactylus Gecko in Western Australia. Herpetologica, 471-482 They are an Oviparous species that has a clutch size of two.Strophurus ciliaris at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2013-07-15 11:25:50. Retrieved from http://www.arod.com.au/arod/?species=Strophurus+ciliaris on the 23rd of October, 2013 This species was previously known as Diplodactylus ciliaris.Members of the genus Strophurus have the ability to squirt a harmless, smelly, fluid from their tails. This is used as a deterrent for birds and other predations whilst they are perching in shrubs. Another defence mechanism that Strophurus ciliaris has is bright palate colour.Michael, D. (2013, October). Strophurus ciliaris. (S. Van Den Akker, Interviewer) This is generally a nocturnal species but can be found basking during the day.Browne-Cooper, Robert; Brian Bush, Brad Maryan, David Robinson (2007). Reptiles and Frogs in the Bush: Southwestern Australia. University of Western Australia Press. pp. 123, 124. ISBN 978-1-920694-74-6. Strophurus ciliaris is an arboreal species which occurs in arid, semi-arid and sub tropical habitats in shrubland.Cogger, H.G. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. New Holland Publishers, SydneySwan, G. and Foster, R. 2005. The reptiles and amphibians of Mutawintji National Park, Western New South Wales. Australian Zoologist 33(1): 39-48 It can also be commonly found in clumps of spinifex.Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. (2013). Australian Faunal Directory. Retrieved from Species Strophurus ciliaris (Boulenger, 1885): http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/online-resources/fauna/afd/taxa/Strophurus_ciliarisStrophurus ciliaris is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN red list. This is due to its large distribution,unrestricted habitat preferences and the limited number of threats facing this species. Little is known about the diet of this species, however similar to other members of the Gecko family its diet includes arthropods. Strophurus ciliaris has been observed licking the exudes of wattle sap.Michael, D. (2013, October). Strophurus ciliaris. (S. Van Den Akker, Interviewer)"}, {"description": "Strophurus ciliaris occurs in the interior of Australia and its range expands from northwest region of New South Wales and western Queensland through to South Australia and the Northern Territory and then stretches into Western Australia.Horner, P. & Hutchinson, M. 2010. Strophurus ciliaris. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.1. . Downloaded on 06 October 2013.Of the recorded occurrences of this species, 48 percent have been recorded in the Northern Territory, 31.2 percent in Western Australia, 10.9 percent in South Australia and the remaining across New South Wales and Queensland. There have been no recorded occurrences of this species in Victoria.The Atlas of Living Australia. (2013). Strophurus ciliaris (Boulenger, 1885). Retrieved from http://bie.ala.org.au/species/Strophurus+ciliaris#"}, {"description": "Habitat degradation is a threat to Strophurus ciliaris. A large amount of these species habitat has been lost or heavily degraded by land clearing and feral invasive species including goats. Habitat degradation and loss should not be considered a major threat at this time due to the wide distribution of Strophurus ciliaris and large amount of suitable habitat that remains.Swan, G. and Foster, R. 2005. The reptiles and amphibians of Mutawintji National Park, Western New South Wales. Australian Zoologist 33(1): 39-48."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gerrhosauridae", "nubKey": 6158978, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 6158978, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "2451668": "Gerrhosaurus", "1": "Animalia", "5667": "Gerrhosauridae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Gerrhosaurus skoogi", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "desert plated lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Desert Plated Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Angolosaurus"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5667, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Gerrhosaurus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119582853", "genusKey": 2451668, "canonicalName": "Gerrhosaurus skoogi", "key": 6158978, "authorship": "Andersson, 1916", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Gerrhosaurus skoogi Andersson, 1916", "genus": "Gerrhosaurus", "parentKey": 2451668, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The desert plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus skoogi) is a reptile species endemic to the northern Namib Desert in Namibia and Angola. Also known as the sand plated lizard,Lamb, T., Meeker, A.M., Bauer, A.M., and Branch, W.R. On the systematic status of the desert plated lizard (Angolosaurus skoogi): phylogenetic inference from DNA sequence analysis of the African Gerrhosauridae. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. Vol. 78, No. 2 (2003), pp. 253-261 it is diurnal.Andersson, K. A. Nagy, B. C. Clarke, M. K. Seely, D. Mitchell and J. R. B. Lighton. Water and Energy Balance in Namibian Desert Sand-Dune Lizards Angolosaurus skoogi. Functional Ecology. Vol. 5, No. 6 (1991), pp. 731-739. Recent studies suggest that this monotypic genus is synonymous to Gerrhosaurus and makes it paraphyletic, therefore A. skoogi was reclassified as Gerrhosaurus skoogi."}, {"description": "ANG-OO"}, {"description": "NAM-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Boidae", "nubKey": 2465153, "speciesKey": 113417391, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113416925": "Boidae", "113415521": "Squamata", "113417389": "Lichanura", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Lichanura trivirgata", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Rosy Boa"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113416925, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Lichanura", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "1415645", "genusKey": 113417389, "canonicalName": "Lichanura trivirgata", "key": 113417391, "authorship": "Cope, 1861", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Lichanura trivirgata Cope, 1861", "genus": "Lichanura", "parentKey": 113417389, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The epithet trivirgata refers to the distinct three stripes that are characteristic of the species. The rosy boa is considered to be the only species within the genus Lichanura, but one researcher has placed it in the genus Charina with the rubber boa. Newer phylogenetic research supports the original arrangement but herpetologists are still not unified on rosy boa taxonomy. The subspecific designations are just as uncertain with many sources not accepting \"arizonae\" or \"saslowi\" Subspecies Arizona rosy boa, Lichanura trivirgata arizonae Spiteri, 1991 Desert rosy boa, Lichanura trivirgata gracia Klauber, 1931 \u2013 Ground color laced with well-defined pink, orange or tan longitudinal stripes. Coastal rosy boa, Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca Cope, 1868 \u2013 Ground color laced with blotchy reddish-brown longitudinal stripes. Baja rosy boa, Lichanura trivirgata saslowi Spiteri, 1987 Mexican rosy boa, Lichanura trivirgata trivirgata Cope, 1861 \u2013 Ground color laced with pale, creamy broad longitudinal stripes."}, {"description": "Rosy boas bear live young, about six in a brood, with newborns about 30\u00a0cm (12 in.) in length."}, {"description": "Their generally docile temperament and small size make the rosy boa an ideal choice for a pet snake due to their easy care and small enclosure size (10\u201320 gallon). They are frequently captive bred, and readily feed on commercially available mice. Many color variations are available, including albinos as well as the different subspecies. With other species, such as corn snakes, milk snakes, and ball pythons, dominating the majority of the market, the popularity of rosy boas hasn't been as high as other species."}, {"description": "The rosy boa is found in the southwestern United States in the states of California and Arizona, and northwestern Mexico in the states of Baja California and Sonora. In California, the rosy boa ranges throughout the Colorado and Mojave deserts and also occupies the coastal areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. In Arizona, the rosy boa occupies the Mojave Desert and the western areas of the Sonoran Desert. It is absent from the eastern and northern halves of the state. In Sonora, the rosy boa ranges from the border with the United States south throughout the Sonoran Desert to at least as far south as Ortiz. In Baja California, the rosy boa is almost ubiquitous ranging throughout the entire peninsula except in areas of extremely dry or rockless desert."}, {"description": "These small attractive snakes attain a length of 17\u201330 in (though some specimens from the coast of California reach 3\u20133.5 feet), and a large adult has a body width about the diameter of a golf ball. Coloration in rosy boas is highly variable. The common name is derived from the rosy or salmon coloration that is common on the belly of rosy boas originating from coastal southern California and Baja Mexico. Most rosy boas do not have this ventral coloration but instead have a series of dark to orange spots on a light-colored background. Almost all rosy boas have at least some trace of three longitudinal stripes, one down the center of the back, and two on the lower sides. The appearance of these stripes varies widely, from extremely straight and having high contrast with the interspaces, to extremely broken with almost no contrast with the interspaces. Stripe colors can be orange, maroon, rust, brown, or black. Interspace colors can be shades of light to dark gray, yellow, or tan."}, {"description": "Rosy boas spend most of their lives concealed beneath rocks and in crevices to escape the elements and natural predators. Granite outcroppings are the most common geologic association inhabited by the rosy boa. Less often they are found in association with volcanic or other rock types. Only in rare places do rosy boas inhabit rockless environments. In areas with few rocks rosy boas will use rodent burrows for concealment. Rosy boas' activity season follows local weather patterns; however, they are generally dormant during the winter, and active during the spring, summer and fall. Like all snakes, they are dependent on external temperatures to promote such normal bodily functions as digestion and gestation. Throughout most of their range the winter is too cold for these functions and the rosy boas go into a dormant state called brumation. The spring is breeding season for Rosy Boas, resulting in their highest rate of activity. Most Rosy Boas are encountered in spring as they leave the security of their rock piles and crevices to seek mates. Another reason rosy boas may be active on the surface of the ground is to find prey or new territory. The surface activity of rosy boas can take place during any hour of the day, but during hot weather they are primarily nocturnal. In the spring, they are often abroad in the afternoon and early evening. In the late spring and summer, this activity period switches from dusk to late into the night. Because most populations of rosy boas live in exceedingly dry habitats, their activity is often highly moisture dependent. During dry periods they remain deep underground to assist in remaining hydrated. Recent rainfall often results in a flurry of surface activity.These snakes forage mainly for small mammals but have occasionally been known to take other prey items such as birds and lizards. Pack rats, baby rabbits, deer mice, and kangaroo rats make up a large portion of their diet. Rosy boas are one of the slowest-moving species of snake in the world. They are unable to pursue prey and must either wait in ambush or stalk their meals. When a meal is within reach, usually a few inches, a rosy boa will strike with surprising speed and accuracy. Prey is secured with tiny rows of needle-sharp teeth, then suffocated through constriction.Rosy boas are extremely docile when encountered by humans. When disturbed they usually roll into a compact ball with the head in the center.Schmidt, K.P. and D.D. Davis. 1941. Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. G.P. Putnam's Sons. New York. 365 pp. (Lichanura roseofusca, pp. 96\u201398 & Plate 8.) The species is not prone to bite in defense, and when human bites have occurred they have usually been the result of a feeding response with a captive animal. All rosy boa bites are nonvenomous. Their extreme docility and their attractive coloration have made rosy boas very popular with herpetoculturists."}, {"description": "The rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata) is a snake of the Boidae family, one of only two members of that family native to the United States. The other is the rubber boa (Charina bottae). The rosy boa is native to the American Southwest, and Baja California and Sonora, Mexico."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gekkonidae", "nubKey": 2447447, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2447447, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2447418": "Phelsuma", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "5666": "Gekkonidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Phelsuma lineata", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "striped day gecko"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Streifentaggecko"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Striped Day Gecko"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5666, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phelsuma", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119587936", "genusKey": 2447418, "canonicalName": "Phelsuma lineata", "key": 2447447, "authorship": "Gray, 1842", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 6, "scientificName": "Phelsuma lineata Gray, 1842", "genus": "Phelsuma", "parentKey": 2447418, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Phelsuma lineata, the lined day gecko, is a species of diurnal gecko native to Madagascar. It has also been introduced to R\u00e9union.Vences, M. 2011. Phelsuma lineata. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. Downloaded on 31 May 2013.This species as described appears to be a conglomeration of many distinct forms; three of these are currently recognized subspecies (ssp. lineata, ssp. bombetokensis, and ssp. punctulata), but others could be separate taxa that should be elevated to species status as was Phelsuma dorsivittata."}, {"description": "The lined day gecko has soft, green skin on its back and a distinct black band running down the side of its body, bordered on the lower edge by a light-coloured stripe. It commonly measures between 10 and 14.5 cm in length.http://www.arkive.org/lined-day-gecko/phelsuma-lineata/"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xantusiidae", "nubKey": 2451749, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2451749, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "5025": "Xantusiidae", "1": "Animalia", "2451745": "Lepidophyma", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Lepidophyma flavimaculatum", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Krokodil-Nachtechse"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "yellow-spotted night lizard"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "yellow-spotted tropical night lizard"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Krokodilnachtechse"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Yellow-spotted Night Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Yellow-spotted lizard"}, {"language": "spa", "vernacularName": "Lagartija-nocturna puntos amarillos"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5025, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Lepidophyma", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119586326", "genusKey": 2451745, "canonicalName": "Lepidophyma flavimaculatum", "key": 2451749, "authorship": "Dum\u00e9ril, 1851", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 5, "scientificName": "Lepidophyma flavimaculatum Dum\u00e9ril, 1851", "genus": "Lepidophyma", "parentKey": 2451745, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "COS-OO"}, {"description": "ELS-OO"}, {"description": "GUA-OO"}, {"description": "HON-OO"}, {"description": "MXE-TA"}, {"description": "MXS-OA"}, {"description": "MXT-CI"}, {"description": "NIC-OO"}, {"description": "PAN-OO"}, {"description": "The yellow-spotted lizard (Lepidophyma flavimaculatum) is a night lizard ranging from central Mexico to Texas. It includes two subspecies, Lepidophyma flavimaculatum flavimaculatum and Lepidophyma flavimaculatum obscurum.Yellow-spotted lizards are among the largest of the night lizards, reaching a length of 12.69 cm. They are nearly black in color, with a series of yellow spots running along their sides from the tips of their snouts to their rear flanks. The spots shift into thin and subtle yellow bands on their tails. There is also yellow coloring on their underbody. Their heads are smooth and snakelike in appearance, while their bodies are covered in rough skin. They have black teeth and a milky white tongue.Like all night lizards, it is viviparous, giving live birth to its young. Yellow-spotted tropical night lizards also include all-female parthenogenetic (asexually reproducing) populations, located towards the southern end of their range in Central America.Yellow-spotted tropical night lizards live in decaying logs in wet climates. The average life span of the Yellow-spotted tropical night lizard is around 10\u201315 years in the wild.Uncommon in the exotic pet trade, yellow spotted night lizards are aggressive and can deliver a very painful bite to anyone who may handle them. Offspring born by parthenogenesis are handle-able if they are acclimated early in life. Young bark lizards can coexist with like-sized species who enjoy a similar warm and humid climate. Adult bark lizards can not be tamed by handling alone, and will damage their nostrum, or nose scale, if kept in a glass enclosure near a high traffic area or not provided with suitable daytime shelter. The most common issue with adults is shedding problems, particularly after they give birth, and if humidity is not kept constant, shedding will occur."}, {"description": "Die Weibchen einiger Populationen, in Panama und Costa Rica, sind dazu imstande Jungfernzeugung (Parthenogenese) zu betreiben. Das hei\u00dft sie k\u00f6nnen ihre Eizellen selbst befruchten und brauchen somit zur Fortpflanzung keine Spermien der M\u00e4nnchen. Die M\u00e4nnchen sind also in der Fortbestandserhaltung \u00fcberfl\u00fcssig. Die Embryonalentwicklung im Mutterleib erfolgt vivipar. L. flavimaculatum bringt deshalb auch ihren Nachwuchs lebend zur Welt. Die Mehrzahl der 3 bis 7 Jungtiere pro Wurf sind Weibchen."}, {"description": "Die Krokodil-Nachtechse ist \u00fcberwiegend in der D\u00e4mmerung und in der Nacht aktiv. Um sie als Haustier in einem Terrarium zu halten, wird ein Tropenterrarium mit vielen Versteck- und Ausweichm\u00f6glichkeiten, sowie einer Badestelle ben\u00f6tigt. Die Tiere, die in Terrarien leben sind meistens aggressiv und teilen manchmal mit schmerzhaften Bissen aus. In Gefangenschaft k\u00f6nnen sie ein Alter von \u00fcber 15 Jahren erreichen. In freier Natur ist die Lebenserwartung mit ca. 10 Jahren wesentlich geringer. L. flavimaculatum ern\u00e4hrt sich \u00fcberwiegend von kleinen bis mittelgro\u00dfen Insekten."}, {"description": "Lepidophyma flavimaculatum flavimaculatum A. DUM\u00c9RIL, 1851 Lepidophyma flavimaculatum ophiophthalmum TAYLOR, 1955 Lepidophyma flavimaculatum tehuanae SMITH, 1942 Lepidophyma flavimaculatum tenebrarum WALKER, 1955"}, {"description": "Lepidophyma flavimaculatum ist in S\u00fcdost-Mexiko, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, und auf Fidschi endemisch. Der von ihnen bewohnte Lebensraum besteht \u00fcberwiegend aus tropischen Regenw\u00e4ldern und Feuchtw\u00e4ldern. Man findet sie jedoch auch in steppenartigen Regionen mit vielen Steinen und Gestr\u00fcpp. Sie kommen vor in H\u00f6hen zwischen 120 und 940 m \u00fcberm Wasserspiegel. Die Temperaturen ihrer Herkunftsl\u00e4nder liegen am Tag bei 22 bis \u00fcber 40\u00a0\u00b0C und in der Nacht sinken sie auf angenehme 18 bis 22\u00a0\u00b0C."}, {"description": "Die Krokodil-Nachtechse (Lepidophyma flavimaculatum) ist der gr\u00f6\u00dfte Vertreter aus der Familie der Nachtechsen. Er geh\u00f6rt der Gattung Mittelamerikanische Nachtechsen (Lepidophyma) an. Die Erstbeschreibung dieser Art erfolgte 1851 durch den franz\u00f6sischen Zoologen Andr\u00e9 Marie Constant Dum\u00e9ril (1774\u20131860)."}, {"description": "Krokodil-Nachtechsen erreichen ausgewachsen eine Kopf-Rumpf-L\u00e4nge bis zu 12,69 cm. Ihr Schwanz wird ca. 1/3 mal so lang wie der K\u00f6rper. Fast ihr gesamter K\u00f6rper hat eine schwarze Grundfarbe, wobei sie an den Seiten, an der Spitze der Schnauze und an ihren Hinterbeinen eine Reihe von gelben Flecken haben. Die meist punktf\u00f6rmigen Flecken gehen an ihrem Schwanz \u00fcber in d\u00fcnne gelbe Streifen. Einige Tiere haben auch gelbe Bereiche an ihrer Unterseite. Die Krokodil-Nachtechse hat einen glatten Kopf, der dem einer Schlange \u00e4hnelt. Die Schuppen auf ihrem K\u00f6rper sind eher rau. Ihre spitzen Z\u00e4hne sind schwarz und sie haben eine milchig wei\u00dfe Zunge. Die M\u00e4nnchen und Weibchen kann man so gut wie nicht \u00e4u\u00dferlich unterscheiden. Unterschlupf einer Krokodil-Nachtechse aus Costa Rica"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Crotaphytidae", "nubKey": 2470625, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2470625, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"5663": "Crotaphytidae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2470634": "Crotaphytus", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Crotaphytus nebrius", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Sonoran Collared Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Sonoran collared lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Sonoran Collared Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5663, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Crotaphytus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119584384", "genusKey": 2470634, "canonicalName": "Crotaphytus nebrius", "key": 2470625, "authorship": "Axtell & Montanucci, 1977", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Crotaphytus nebrius Axtell & Montanucci, 1977", "genus": "Crotaphytus", "parentKey": 2470634, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Sonoran collared lizard, Crotaphytus nebrius, is a collared lizard found in Arizona and Mexico. The lizard is a grayish-yellow with grayish-white spots, which are large down the middle of the body, and small on the sides. Adults are mainly only active during spring and summer, but the juveniles can be active until November."}, {"description": "CAL-OO"}, {"description": "MXN-BC"}, {"description": "MXN-SO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Chamaeleonidae", "nubKey": 2448843, "rank": "GENUS", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113415521": "Squamata", "113415011": "Reptilia", "113417470": "Chamaeleonidae", "113301736": "Chordata"}, "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113417470, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Chamaeleonidae", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "324814", "genusKey": 113417539, "canonicalName": "Calumma", "key": 113417539, "authorship": "Gray, 1865", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 1, "scientificName": "Calumma Gray, 1865", "genus": "Calumma", "parentKey": 113417470, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The following 32 species are recognized as being valid:The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org. Calumma amber Raxworthy & Nussbaum, 2006 Calumma ambreense (Ramanantsoa, 1974) Calumma andringitraense (Brygoo, C. Blanc & Domergue, 1972) Calumma boettgeri (Boulenger, 1888) \u2013 Boettger's chameleon Calumma brevicorne (G\u00fcnther, 1879) \u2013 short-horned chameleon Calumma capuroni (Brygoo, C. Blanc & Domergue, 1972) \u2013 Madagascar chameleon Calumma crypticum Raxworthy & Nussbaum, 2006 \u2013 blue-legged chameleon Calumma cucullatum (Gray, 1831) \u2013 hooded chameleon Calumma fallax (Mocquard, 1900) \u2013 deceptive chameleon Calumma furcifer (Vaillant & Grandidier, 1880) \u2013 forked chameleon Calumma gallus (G\u00fcnther, 1877) \u2013 blade chameleon Calumma gastrotaenia (Boulenger, 1888) - Perinet chameleon Calumma glawi B\u00f6hme, 1997 \u2013 Glaw's chameleon Calumma globifer (G\u00fcnther, 1879) \u2013 globe-horned chameleon or flat-casqued chameleon Calumma guibei (Hillenius, 1959) \u2013 Guibe's chameleon Calumma guillaumeti (Brygoo, Blanc & Domergue, 1974) Calumma hafahafa Raxworthy & Nussbaum, 2006 \u2013 bizarre-nosed chameleon Calumma hilleniusi (Brygoo, C. Blanc & Domergue, 1973) Calumma jejy Raxworthy & Nussbaum, 2006 Calumma malthe (G\u00fcnther, 1879) \u2013 yellow-green chameleon Calumma marojezense (Brygoo, C. Blanc & Domergue, 1970) Calumma nasutum (A.M.C. Dum\u00e9ril & Bibron, 1836) \u2013 big-nosed chameleon Calumma oshaughnessyi (G\u00fcnther, 1881) \u2013 O'Shaughnessy's chameleon Calumma parsonii (Cuvier, 1824) \u2013 Parson's chameleon Calumma peltierorum Raxworthy & Nussbaum, 2006 Calumma peyrierasi (Brygoo, C. Blanc & Domergue, 1974) - Brygoo's chameleon Calumma tarzan Gehring et al., 2010 Calumma tsaratananense (Brygoo & Domergue, 1967) \u2013 Tsaratanana chameleon Calumma tsycorne Raxworthy & Nussbaum, 2006 Calumma tigris - uncertain classification Calumma vatosoa Andreone et al., 2001 Calumma vencesi Andreone et al., 2001 \u2013 Vences' chameleon Calumma vohibola Gehring et al., 2011 Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Calumma."}, {"description": "Calumma is a genus of chameleons. Most species in the genus Calumma are endemic to Madagascar, while Calumma tigris (of uncertain classification) is endemic to the Seychelles."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Agamidae", "nubKey": 2465626, "rank": "SUBSPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113416079": "Pogona", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia", "113415946": "Agamidae"}, "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Abrolhos bearded dragon"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113415946, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Pogona", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "16455472", "genusKey": 113416079, "canonicalName": "Pogona", "key": 113416084, "authorship": "Loveridge, 1933", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Pogona Loveridge 1933", "genus": "Pogona", "parentKey": 113416079, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Abrolhos bearded dragon, Pogona minor minima, is an agamid lizard found only on islands at Houtman Abrolhos, and commonly named for this location. It is closely related to other bearded dragons found in Western Australia.The size of the dragon is smaller than related subspecies, no more than 360\u00a0mm long (115\u00a0mm snout-vent length). It occurs in sandy habitats or outcrops of limestone. The range is restricted to three islands of the Wallabi Group: North Island, East Wallabi Island, and West Wallabi Island. The distribution range of this subspecies is around 80\u00a0km from the mainland and its near relations."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Pygopodidae", "nubKey": 2472838, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2472838, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"5018": "Pygopodidae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2472835": "Lialis", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Lialis burtonis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Burtons Spitzkopf-Flossenfu\u00df"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Burton's Legless Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Burton's Snake-lizard"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Burtons Spitzkopf-Flossenfu\u00df"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Burton s legless lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5018, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Lialis", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119586514", "genusKey": 2472835, "canonicalName": "Lialis burtonis", "key": 2472838, "authorship": "Gray, 1835", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Lialis burtonis Gray, 1835", "genus": "Lialis", "parentKey": 2472835, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "This species does not seem like a priority for conservation as it is Australia\u2019s most widespread reptile and inhabits almost all Australian habitat types with only a few exceptions. In addition, it is not known how abundant Burton\u2019s legless lizard is but there has been no indication that this species is rare or rapidly declining. Consequently, while Burton\u2019s legless lizard has not been assessed for an IUCN conservation status yet, it is predicted with a fair degree of confidence that it would be given the status of \u201cleast concern\u201d."}, {"description": "Burton's legless lizard (Lialis burtonis), is a species of pygopodid lizard which means that it lacks forelegs and has only rudimentary hind legs.Pygopod. (2013). In The free dictionary online. Retrieved from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Pygopod Pygopodid lizards are also referred to as \u201clegless lizards\u201d,Bradshaw, S. D., Gans, C., & Girons, H. S. (1980). Behavioural thermoregulation in a pygopodid lizard, Lialis burtonis. Copeia, 1980(4), 738-743. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/stable/pdfplus/10.2307/1444452.pdf?acceptTC=true \u201cflap-footed lizards\u201dWall, M., & Shine, R. (2013). Ecology and behaviour of Burton\u2019s legless lizard (Lialis burtonis, Pygopodidae) in tropical Australia. Asian Herpetological Research, 4(1), 9-21. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1245.2013.00009 and \u201csnake-lizards\u201d.Weber, E., & Werner, Y. L. (1977). Vocalisations of two snake-lizards (Reptilia: Sauria: Pygopodidae). Herpetologica, 33(3), 353-363. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/stable/pdfplus/3891953.pdf?acceptTC=true&acceptTC=true&jpdConfirm=true This species is endemic to Australia and Papua New Guinea.Cogger, H. G. (2000). Reptiles and amphibians of Australia (6th ed.). Sydney: Reed New Holland."}, {"description": "Burton\u2019s legless lizard is generally a diurnal feeder as prey is most commonly encountered during the day but it can be active at any time. This is highlighted as its movements tend to be nocturnal to take advantage of benefits such as reduced risks of hyperthermia during hot conditions and reduced risks of predation from diurnal predators like raptors. Another reason for it to move at night is to avoid revealing its ambush position in the day when it has the highest likelihood of encountering an otherwise unsuspecting prey item. In addition, there is geographic variation in movement and feeding patterns which is expected as this species is very widespread and inhabits a variety of different environments. This lizard is a visually oriented predator that strikes based on movement and requires shelter to ambush its prey. Shelter is also required to hide from predators and may be particularly important after feeding as individuals become more sedentary than usual which is thought to be an anti-predator response.Wall, M., & Shine, R. (2008). Post-feeding thermophily in lizards (Lialis burtonis Gray, Pygopodidae): Laboratory studies can provide misleading results. Journal of Thermal Biology, 33(5), 274-279. doi: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2008.02.005 Alternatively, shelter also plays a key role in lizard thermoregulation. Deep leaf litter for example, is very good shelter as individuals can bury themselves at an appropriate depth to regulate temperature and remain hidden at the same time.Burton\u2019s legless lizard also uses caudal luring as a feeding strategy which is rare in lizards.Murray, B. A., Bradshaw, S. D., & Edward, D. H. (1991). Feeding behaviour and the occurrence of caudal luring in Burton\u2019s pygopodid Lialis burtonis (Sauria: Pygopodidae). Copeia, 1991(2), 509-516. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1446599?uid=3737536&uid=2&uid=4&sid=21103124537611 Notably, this behaviour only occurs if its initial ambush attack is unsuccessful in capturing its intended prey. However, this tactic is not exhibited every time that prey escapes as the likelihood of this tactic being used increases with time since an individual\u2019s last meal. Caudal luring can be used to recapture prey in 3 ways as it can be used to lure prey towards it, to distract prey at the moment that it strikes or both.Feeding strategies are a very important behaviour for this species as the lizards it eats can often be large enough to inflict a retaliatory bite that could cause serious harm. This is thought to be the reason that this species will modify its strike precision according to prey size as strikes at large prey will be directed at either the head or neck to prevent them from biting back. Furthermore, Burton\u2019s legless lizard will hold large prey until it is incapacitated before swallowing to prevent harm to itself whereas it swallows small prey that is still struggling as swallowing live prey costs less energy than waiting for it to be incapacitated.This species also has a tendency to vocalise, especially, when it is threatened. Furthermore, if it is seized by a predator it can drop its tail like many other lizards. However, there are substantial costs associated with a lizard losing its tail as it requires time and energy to grow back."}, {"description": "This species feeds almost exclusively on lizards.Wall, M., & Shine, R. (2009). The relationship between foraging ecology and lizard chemoreception: Can a snake analogue (Burton\u2019s legless lizard, Lialis burtonis) detect prey scent? Ethology, 115(3), 264-272. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2008.01595.x Generally, skinks are the main prey item taken but other legless lizards, geckos and dragons are also a part of the diet of Burton\u2019s legless lizard. In addition, it has been reported that this species will eat small snakes on rare occasions and this has been documented in a study of the stomach contents of museum specimens.Patchell, F. C., & Shine, R. (1986a). Food habits and reproductive biology of the Australian legless lizards (Pygopodidae). Copeia, 1986(1), 30-39. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/stable/pdfplus/10.2307/1444884.pdf Notably, this species also feeds rather infrequently according to a recent study."}, {"description": "Burton\u2019s legless lizard occurs almost Australia wide but it is absent in parts of southern Australia including Tasmania. This species is also found in Papua New Guinea, although populations are limited to one small area.Burton\u2019s legless lizard is found in a variety of habitats from deserts to the margins of rainforests but not in southern alpine areas and extreme northern deserts as would be expected based on its distribution. It is usually found in low vegetation or debris on the ground such as leaf litter which has been shown to be important to specimens located in tropical environments. This was demonstrated in an experiment where individuals were given a choice of several thermally comparable environments and there was an overwhelming preference for leaf litter by specimens from the tropics. In areas where leaf litter is not as readily available this species will use grasses, abandoned burrows and other shelter that it can find as habitat."}, {"description": "The specific name, burtonis, is in honor of British army surgeon Edward Burton (1790\u20131867).Beolens, B.; Watkins, M.; Grayson, M. (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Lialis burtonis, p. 43)."}, {"description": "Reproduction seems to be seasonal in populations of Burton\u2019s legless lizard and mating occurs at similar times throughout Australia. Ovulation and mating for the species usually occurs from September until summer. The species is oviparous and eggs are generally laid from November to January, although, reproduction can occur at any time outside of the usual breeding season and females are capable of laying more than one clutch each year. Eggs are laid under logs or rocks, on the ground, under leaf litter and sometimes in the nests of sugar ants.Clutches can be laid in quick succession with each clutch containing 1 to 3 tough, leathery eggs, although, a clutch size of 2 eggs is by far the most common.Neill, W. T. (1957). Notes on the pygopodid lizards, Lialis burtonis and L. jicari. Copeia, 1957(3), 230-232. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/stable/pdfplus/10.2307/1439366.pdf?acceptTC=true Interestingly, nesting can be communal and up to 20 eggs have been found in a nest. Another characteristic that has been discovered is the ability of females of this species to either store sperm for reproduction at a later time or to reproduce through parthenogenesis which does not require mating to be successful. Hatchlings are approximately 13 centimetres long."}, {"description": "Burton\u2019s legless lizard (Lialis burtonis) is a member of the genus Lialis within the family Pygopodidae. There are approximately 40 species in the family Pygopodidae, however, Burton\u2019s legless lizard and another species (L. jicari) are the only species that fall within genus Lialis. Members in genus Lialis are considered analogous to macrostomatan snakes as these taxonomic groups have functionally similar adaptations such as the ability to swallow relatively large prey whole.Wall, M., & Shine, R. (2007). Dangerous food: Lacking venom and constriction, how do snake-like lizards (Lialis burtonis, Pygopodidae) subdue their lizard prey? Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 91(4), 719-727. Doi: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2007.00835.x Differences between legless lizards and snakes, however, are that legless lizards lack venom glands, cannot constrict prey, they have a fleshy tongue rather than a forked tongue, they have visible ear holes and they have remnant hind limbs.Cronin, L. (2001). Key guide: Australian reptiles and amphibians. Annandale, NSW: Envirobook. Furthermore, Burton\u2019s legless lizard and the Pygopodidae, as a whole, are most closely related genetically and anatomically to geckos in the family Gekkonidae.Vidal, N., & Hedges, S. B. (2005). The phylogeny of squamate reptiles (lizards, snakes and amphisbaenians) inferred from nine nuclear protein-coding genes. Comptes Rendus Biologies, 328(10-11), 1000-1008. doi: 10.1016/j.crvi.2005.10.001Gorman, G. C., & Gress, F. (1970). Sex chromosomes of a pygopodid lizard, Lialis burtonis. Experientia, 26(2), 206-207. doi: 10.1007/BF01895586Wever, E. G. (1974). The ear of Lialis burtonis (Sauria: Pygopodidae), its structure and function. Copeia, 1974(2), 297-305. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/stable/pdfplus/10.2307/1442523.pdf?acceptTC=true This is despite the convergence and superficial resemblance of this species with snakes.Burton\u2019s legless lizard has significant morphological adaptations to enable it to deal with large struggling prey items. The first adaptation is a skull with an elongated snout that may, along with its pointed, recurved and hinged teeth, be an adaptation that assists it to grip its prey.Patchell, F. C., & Shine, R. (1986b). Feeding mechanisms in pygopodid lizards: How can Lialis swallow such large prey? Journal of Herpetology, 20(1), 59-64. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/stable/pdfplus/10.2307/1564125.pdf In addition, this elongated snout may also promote binocular vision which would allow strikes to be more accurately directed. Another adaptation that assists Burton\u2019s legless lizard to hold its prey is its flexible mesokinetic and hypokinetic joints which allow its jaws to encircle prey. Lastly, the ability of the species to retract its eyes is of key importance as it is a visual predator that relies on eyesight and this adaptation effectively protects them during conflict."}, {"description": "Burtons Spitzkopf-Flossenfu\u00df (Lialis burtonis) ist eine beinlose Echse, die erstaunlicherweise mit den g\u00e4nzlich anders ausschauenden Geckos verwandt ist."}, {"description": "Burtons Spitzkopf-Flossenfu\u00df ist sowohl tag- als auch nachtaktiv, vor allem fr\u00fch morgens und in der D\u00e4mmerung. Seine Vorzugstemperatur liegt mit 35 \u00b0C sehr hoch. Er frisst Echsen, vor allem Skinke, aber auch Agamen, Geckos und manchmal auch Schlangen. Die Beute wird mit dem Kopf voran verschlungen, wobei \u2013 \u00e4hnlich wie bei Schlangen \u2013 die hoch beweglichen Ober- und Unterkiefer die Nahrung nacheinander in den Schlund ziehen.Er pflanzt sich ovipar fort. Wie bei den Geckos besteht ein Gelege normalerweise aus zwei Eiern. Manchmal legt der Flossenfu\u00df auch nur ein oder drei Eier. Im S\u00fcden des Verbreitungsgebietes liegt die Fortpflanzungszeit im Fr\u00fchsommer und im Sommer."}, {"description": "Burtons Spitzkopf-Flossenfu\u00df hat einen schlangenartigen K\u00f6rper und wird 60 cm lang, wobei die Weibchen gr\u00f6\u00dfer als die M\u00e4nnchen werden. Dabei ist der Schwanz l\u00e4nger als Kopf und Rumpf zusammen. Um die K\u00f6rpermitte befinden sich 18 bis 22 Schuppen. Die Schuppen an den Seiten sind deutlich breiter als die \u00fcbrigen. Die Vorderbeine und der Schulterg\u00fcrtel fehlen vollst\u00e4ndig, w\u00e4hrend von den Hinterbeinen nur noch zwei winzige, flossenartige, beschuppte Anh\u00e4ngsel \u00fcbrig sind. Der Kopf ist dreieckig, spitz. Die Kiefer sind wie bei Schlangen hoch beweglich, so dass Burtons Spitzkopf-Flossenfu\u00df auch sehr gro\u00dfe Beute verschlingen kann. Die Z\u00e4hne des spezialisierten Echsenfressers sind beweglich befestigt, so dass beim Zubiss die Z\u00e4hne, die auf eine Schuppe treffen, nach hinten umgelegt werden, w\u00e4hrend die Z\u00e4hne, die in eine L\u00fccke zwischen zwei Schuppen treffen, in Haut und Fleisch des Opfers eindringen. Versucht die Beute sich loszurei\u00dfen, k\u00f6nnen die umgelegten Z\u00e4hne in einen Schuppenrand einrasten, richten sich auf und halten das Opfer zus\u00e4tzlich fest. Die Schuppen auf der Schnauzenoberseite sind klein und unregelm\u00e4\u00dfig angeordnet. Die Ohr\u00f6ffnung steht schr\u00e4g und ist oval. Wie alle Geckoartigen hat Burtons Spitzkopf-Flossenfu\u00df keine Lider und reinigt seine Augen mit der eingebuchteten Zunge. Die Farbe der Echsen kann alle Braunt\u00f6ne umfassen, aber auch grau, rotbraun, olivgr\u00fcn, einschlie\u00dflich schwarzer und gelblicher Flecken und Streifen."}, {"description": "Er kommt in ganz Australien, mit Ausnahme des \u00e4u\u00dfersten S\u00fcdwestens und des \u00e4u\u00dfersten S\u00fcdostens, und auch nicht auf Tasmanien und Kangaroo Island vor. Au\u00dferdem ist er auf den Inseln der Torres-Stra\u00dfe und im S\u00fcdosten Neuguineas zu finden. Sein Lebensraum ist vielf\u00e4ltig und umfasst allerlei Biotope, von W\u00fcsten \u00fcber Grasland bis zu k\u00fcstennahen feuchten W\u00e4ldern. In ausgesprochenen Regenw\u00e4ldern kommt er nicht vor."}, {"description": "NSW-NS"}, {"description": "NTA-OO"}, {"description": "QLD-QU"}, {"description": "SOA-OO"}, {"description": "VIC-OO"}, {"description": "WAU-WA"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Lanthanotidae", "nubKey": 2451796, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2451796, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "2451795": "Lanthanotus", "1": "Animalia", "5202": "Lanthanotidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Lanthanotus borneensis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Borneo-Taubwaran"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Borneo earless monitor"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Borneo Earless Monitor"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Earless Monitor Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5202, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Lanthanotus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119585571", "genusKey": 2451795, "canonicalName": "Lanthanotus borneensis", "key": 2451796, "authorship": "Steindachner, 1878", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Lanthanotus borneensis Steindachner, 1878", "genus": "Lanthanotus", "parentKey": 2451795, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The earless monitor lizard (Lanthanotus borneensis) is a semi-aquatic, brown lizard native to northern Borneo. It is the only species in the family Lanthanotidae, a group related to the true monitor lizards, as well as to the beaded lizards.Earless monitor lizards are around 20 centimetres in length, and have reduced eyes and limbs, a thick body, and strongly keeled scales. Despite the name, it is capable of hearing, although it lacks a tympanum or other visible signs of ears. It is a burrowing, nocturnal animal, feeding on earthworms and similar prey. In captivity, it has been known to eat squid, pieces of fish and liver. Like its closest relatives, it is oviparous, although little else is known about its reproduction.This species is very rare, and most known specimens are preserved, though these, also, are rare. The species is primarily of interest to scientists, since it is an evolutionary outgroup for both varanid and helodermatid lizards."}, {"description": "Der Borneo-Taubwaran (Lanthanotus borneensis) ist eine auf der Insel Borneo beheimatete Echse. Die Art ist der einzige Vertreter der Familie Lanthanotidae. \u00dcber die offenbar \u00fcberwiegend unterirdisch lebenden Tiere ist wenig bekannt, insbesondere \u00fcber ihre Lebensweise liegen fast keine Kenntnisse vor."}, {"description": "Der Wiener Zoologe Franz Steindachner beschrieb 1877 anhand eines einzelnen Exemplars ein Reptil aus Borneo als Lanthanotus borneensis und begr\u00fcndete mit der Gattung und Art eine neue Familie. Das Typusexemplar befindet sich in einem Museum in Wien.Bis 1961 kamen weniger als 10 Taubwarane in Museen, in keinem Fall mit aussagekr\u00e4ftigen Angaben zu Fundort und Fundumst\u00e4nden. Noch nach 1950 suchten Herpetologen auf Borneo nach Taubwaranen, doch selbst befragte Einheimische wussten nichts \u00fcber deren Existenz. Im Januar 1961 wurde durch Zufall der erste Fund seit 45 Jahren gemacht.Tom Harrisson, Neville S. Haile: Notes on a Living Specimen of the Earless Monitor Lizard, Lanthonotus borneensis. In: Journal of the Ohio Herpetological Society. Bd. 3, Nr. 2, 1961, S.\u00a013\u201316, . Ein Dayak hatte beim Aushauen eines Pfades einen Taubwaran entdeckt und lebend gefangen. Tom und Barbara Harrisson, zwei hier ans\u00e4ssige Herpetologen, konnten den Taubwaran nicht lange am Leben halten. Mitgliedern der Dayaks wurden hierauf Pr\u00e4mien f\u00fcr den Fang lebender Taubwarane zugesichert, so konnten von circa 1970 bis 1980 etwas mehr als sechzig lebende Tiere gefangen, beobachtet und seziert werden.Nach: Konrad Klemmer: Familie Taubwarane. In: Bernhard Grzimek (Hrsg.): Grzimeks Tierleben. Enzyklop\u00e4die des Tierreiches. Band 6: Kriechtiere. Bechterm\u00fcnz, Augsburg 2000, ISBN 3-8289-1603-1, S. 337 (unver\u00e4nderter Nachdruck der Originalausgabe von 1979/80). Einige gelangten in Zoologische G\u00e4rten und Museen Europas und Nordamerikas. Bis dato wurden etwa 100 Exemplare gefangen,Nach: David Burnie (Hrsg.): Tiere. (Die grosse Bildenzyklop\u00e4die mit \u00fcber 2000 Arten). Dorling Kindersley, M\u00fcnchen 2001, ISBN 3-8310-0202-9, S. 419. Anmerkung: Popul\u00e4rwissenschaftliche Quelle. sowohl lebend als auch tot."}, {"description": "Der wissenschaftliche Gattungsname Lanthanotus kommt aus dem griechischen: \u03bb\u03b1\u03bd\u03d1\u03ac\u03bd\u03c9 = verborgen, \u03bf\u03cd\u03c2 \u03ce\u03c4\u03cc\u03c2 = Ohr, gewisserma\u00dfen \u201everborgenes Ohr\u201c bzw. \u201eohrlos\u201c. Das \u201eborneensis\u201c steht f\u00fcr die Verbreitung des Taubwaranes in Borneo. Der Gesamtname Lanthanotus borneensis bedeutet also etwa \u201eOhrloser aus Borneo\u201c."}, {"description": "Allgemeines\u00dcber die Lebensweise von Taubwaranen ist fast nichts bekannt. Das wenige Wissen st\u00fctzt sich ausschlie\u00dflich auf einige Beobachtungen speziell an in Terrarien gehaltenen Tieren. Die lichtscheuen Tiere verbringen die meiste Zeit in unterirdischen G\u00e4ngen bzw. H\u00f6hlen, unter Pflanzen oder im Wasser und sind wohl nachtaktiv. Sie sind zumeist sehr lethargisch und bewegen sich selten; in Gefangenschaft lagen viele Taubwarane tagelang an derselben Stelle, meist im Wasser oder in den Bodengrund eingegraben. Die Vorzugstemperatur bei in Gefangenschaft gehaltenen Tieren liegt bei 24 bis 28\u00a0\u00b0C. Weitere Anpassungen an das aquatile Leben sind wohl die weit nach hinten verschobenen Nasenl\u00f6cher (bessere Atmung beim Schwimmen) und das durchsichtige untere Augenlid. Das Augenlid ist zus\u00e4tzlich zu seiner Durchsichtigkeit nicht wasserdurchl\u00e4ssig, hierdurch k\u00f6nnen Taubwarane beim Tauchen sehen. Ern\u00e4hrungVermutungen zufolge frisst der Taubwaran in seinem nat\u00fcrlichen Lebensraum vor allem Fische, bisher konnte dies jedoch aufgrund fehlender Freilandbeobachtungen nicht best\u00e4tigt werden. In Menschenobhut gelangte Taubwarane verweigerten meist entweder jegliche Nahrungsaufnahme oder leckten am Inhalt von Eiern verschiedener Tiere, speziell Schildkr\u00f6ten und V\u00f6geln. Jedoch sind Eier wohl keine nat\u00fcrliche Nahrung der Taubwarane. In Frankfurt am Main gehaltene Taubwarane fra\u00dfen ausschlie\u00dflich St\u00fcckchen von Schollenfleisch. Nach sieben Jahren Haltung in Frankfurt stellte sich ein Taubwaran abrupt auf Regenw\u00fcrmer um, die davor verschm\u00e4ht wurden. FortpflanzungDie Weibchen legen drei bis vier mehr als drei Zentimeter lange Eier."}, {"description": "Borneo-Taubwarane erreichen L\u00e4ngen von bis zu 55 (meist 42 oder 43) Zentimetern und sind langgestreckt und flach gebaut. Von der Gesamtl\u00e4nge macht der Schwanz fast die H\u00e4lfte aus. Die verh\u00e4ltnism\u00e4\u00dfig kurzen Beine mit f\u00fcnf bekrallten Zehen sind sehr kr\u00e4ftig. Die Beschuppung besteht haupts\u00e4chlich aus vielen kleinen Schuppen. Zwischen den kleinen Schuppen sind in L\u00e4ngsreihen gro\u00dfe, gekielte, h\u00f6ckerartige Schuppen angeordnet (heterogene Beschuppung). Diese befinden sich auf Osteodermata genannten, verkn\u00f6cherten Unterlagen, die auf der Kopfoberseite keine Verbindung mit dem Sch\u00e4del eingehen. Die sechs bis zehn L\u00e4ngsreihen dieser Schuppen auf dem R\u00fccken setzen sich in geringerer Zahl auf dem Schwanz fort.Die nach hinten verschobenen Nasen\u00f6ffnungen sitzen fast auf der Schnauzenoberseite. Die sehr kleinen Augen mit beweglichen Lidern weisen im Unterlid ein geschlossenes Fenster (sog. \u201eBrille\u201c) aus Horn auf, wodurch das Sichtfeld bei geschlossenen Augenlidern zwar stark eingeschr\u00e4nkt ist, jedoch weiterhin eine optische Wahrnehmung m\u00f6glich bleibt. Bei Taubwaranen fehlt typischerweise eine \u00e4u\u00dfere Ohr\u00f6ffnung, ebenso eine Gularfalte (letzteres ist ein Unterschied zu den Waranen). Der waran\u00e4hnliche Sch\u00e4del ist sehr flach. Die langen, spitzen und leicht gekr\u00fcmmten Z\u00e4hne stehen in weiten Abst\u00e4nden zueinander. Taubwarane haben neun Halswirbel und 27 Rumpfwirbel.Sondermerkmale des Sch\u00e4dels sind das Gaumenbein, welches das Pr\u00e4frontale (Teil des Stirnbeins) ber\u00fchrt, das Postfrontale (Teil des Stirnbeines) \u00fcber den Orbita (Augenh\u00f6hlen), eine vertikale und naht\u00e4hnliche Bildung zwischen Angulare und Splenial auf der medialen Seite des Kiefers, und das Vorhandensein von palatinalen Z\u00e4hnen. Charakteristisch ist die vollst\u00e4ndige Trennung der Osteodermen (in die Haut eingebettete Knochen) um den Sch\u00e4del herum, sowie der extrem stark reduzierte Palpebralknochen."}, {"description": "SystematikSeit der Erstbeschreibung im Jahre 1877 wurde die Art in die N\u00e4he der Krustenechsen und Warane gestellt, da eine nahe Verwandtschaft vermutet wurde. Diese systematische Stellung wurde durch eine im Jahr 2001 ver\u00f6ffentlichte Untersuchung der mitochondrialen DNA best\u00e4tigt. Demnach war die Monophylie der \u00dcberfamilie Varanoidea (Familien Helodermatidae, Lanthanotidae und Varanidae mit jeweils nur einer Gattung) gut begr\u00fcndet; Lanthanotus wurde als Schwestertaxon der Echten Warane (Gattung Varanus) identifiziert.Jennifer C. Ast: Mitochondrial DNA Evidence and Evolution in Varanoidea (Squamata). In: Cladistics. Bd. 17, Nr. 3, 2001, S. 211\u2013226, .Bei einer neueren Untersuchung unter Einbeziehung weiterer Genombestandteile und vieler zus\u00e4tzlicher Reptilienarten wurde die oben postulierte Zusammensetzung der \u00dcberfamilie Varanoidea als paraphyletisch verworfen. Die Helodermatidae geh\u00f6ren demnach nicht in diese Gruppe, stattdessen wurde die Chinesische Krokodilschwanzechse (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) dem Taxon Varanoidea zugeordnet. Das Schwestergruppenverh\u00e4ltnis zwischen Lanthanotidae und den Varanidae wurde jedoch erneut best\u00e4tigt.Ted M. Townsend, Allan Larson, Edward Louis, J. Robert Macey: Molecular Phylogenetics of Squamata: The Position of Snakes, Amphisbaenians, and Dibamids, and the Root of the Squamate Tree. In: Systematic Biology. Bd. 53, Nr. 5, 2004, S. 735\u2013757, , PMID 15545252. StammesgeschichteEinige Vermutungen gehen davon aus, dass der Taubwaran der \u00dcbergangsform von Echsen zu Schlangen \u00e4hneln k\u00f6nnte. Zwar ist der Taubwaran h\u00f6chstwahrscheinlich keines der so genannten \u201emissing links\u201c, doch viele Autoren gehen davon aus, dass sich Schlangen aus taubwaran\u00e4hnlichen Reptilien entwickelten, die in der Kreidezeit existierten. Tats\u00e4chlich zeigt er viele schlangen\u00e4hnliche Merkmale, etwa fast vollst\u00e4ndige Geh\u00f6rlosigkeit. Dar\u00fcber hinaus sind die Augen nicht \u00fcberm\u00e4\u00dfig leistungsf\u00e4hig, und die Wirbelzahl ist stark erh\u00f6ht. Merkmale einer \u00dcbergangsform w\u00e4ren im Fall des Borneo-Taubwaranes auch k\u00fcrzere Gliedma\u00dfen und ein verl\u00e4ngerter Rumpf.Von Lanthanotus borneensis selbst ist kein Fossil bekannt. Das einzige bekannte Fossil eines taubwaran\u00e4hnlichen Reptils ist Cherminotus longifrons. Es wurde 1984 von M. Borsuk-Bialynicka in Ablagerungen der sp\u00e4ten Kreide in der Mongolei gefunden."}, {"description": "Der Borneo-Taubwaran ist auf Borneo endemisch und besiedelt dort ausschlie\u00dflich den Norden der Insel. Die Art besiedelt unterirdische Fl\u00fcsse oder andere subterrestrische Orte und Gew\u00e4sser, wurde in Sarawak jedoch auch in den Bew\u00e4sserungsgr\u00e4ben von Reisfeldern nachgewiesen."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xantusiidae", "nubKey": 2451792, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2451792, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2451791": "Cricosaura", "5025": "Xantusiidae", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "44": "Chordata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Cricosaura typica", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Cuban Night Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Cuban night lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5025, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Cricosaura", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119584328", "genusKey": 2451791, "canonicalName": "Cricosaura typica", "key": 2451792, "authorship": "Gundlach & Peters, 1863", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Cricosaura typica Gundlach & Peters, 1863", "genus": "Cricosaura", "parentKey": 2451791, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Cuban night lizard (Cricosaura typica) is a night lizard that lives exclusively in the west corner of the southern-most coast of Cuba. It is the smallest of the night lizards, at less than 4\u00a0cm. It is the only member of the genus Cricosaura, one of three in the night lizard family.Like all night lizards, the Cuban night lizard is viviparous, giving live birth to its young. It differs from the other night lizards in possessing two frontonasal scales, one frontal scale, no parietal scale, and a fourth finger with four phalanges.DEFAULTSORT"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xenosauridae", "nubKey": 2448231, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2448231, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"9118": "Xenosauridae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2448225": "Xenosaurus", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Xenosaurus grandis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Knob-scaled Lizard"}, {"language": "spa", "vernacularName": "Xenosaurio mayor"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9118, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Xenosaurus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119588949", "genusKey": 2448225, "canonicalName": "Xenosaurus grandis", "key": 2448231, "authorship": "Gray, 1856", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 5, "scientificName": "Xenosaurus grandis Gray, 1856", "genus": "Xenosaurus", "parentKey": 2448225, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "MXC-PU"}, {"description": "MXG-VC"}, {"description": "MXS-OA"}, {"description": "MXT-CI"}, {"description": "The knob-scaled lizard (Xenosaurus grandis) is a diurnal, terrestrial lizard found in Mexico and Guatemala. It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests. It dwells in rock crevices and eats insects. Its name, Xenosaurus grandis, comes from the Greek words xenos, meaning \u201calien\u201d, \u201cstranger\u201d, or \u201cforeigner\u201d, saurus, meaning \u201clizard\u201d, and grandis, meaning \u201cgrand\u201d or \u201cgreat\u201d. Its common name of \u2018knob-scaled lizard\u2019 derives its name from the bumpy, \u2018knob-like\u2019 scales found on the upper portion of its body. Gadow, H. (1901). Amphibia and Reptiles. Macmillan & Co, London.There are 5 recognized subspecies, which are spread throughout the species\u2019 range, and the species complex is being reevaluated. Some of the subspecies are currently in the process of being elevated to species status. The species as a whole is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List and its population is currently decreasing."}, {"description": "The Knob-scaled lizard is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. Due to its diet of Orthoptera and Lepitdoptera larvae, Xenosaurus grandis is an ambush predator. It waits in its rocky crevice home and strikes with the element of surprise. It is a very solitary and aggressive species and will often fight with members of its own species over territory."}, {"description": "Currently Xenosaurus grandis is categorized as a vulnerable species according to the IUCN. The species was given this status because of fragmented populations, decreasing population size, and decreasing habitat quality and area, covering only 20,000 square km. The greatest threats to the survival of the species in the wild are habitat destruction and trapping for international pet trade. Eagles are the greatest natural predator of X. grandis, but they are not considered a threat to the survival of the species as a whole. Also, warmer temperatures in their habitat have been shown to cause greater mortality rates among the lizards, posing another potential threat to the species. TemperatureHigher temperatures have been associated with higher mortality rates for X. grandis. In the 2003-2004 wet season of Southern Mexico and Guatemala (the habitat regions of the species), the average temperature was 24.3 C. That temperature was in the top 12% of highest recorded temperatures in the past 34 years of record keeping. The mortality rate for yearlings (the youngest age group) increased from 0.1923 to 0.6551 and for adult II (the oldest age group) increased from 0.3956 to 0.5676 for the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 wet seasons respectively. If temperatures continue to increase, the survival of the species will be further threatened and currently 50% of wet seasons are warm enough to be considered to be unfavorable for the species. Population and growth ratesAs of 2004, X. grandis had a survival rate of 70.5% and a growth rate of 0.851. Even though the rates may appear to be low, in comparison to other lizard genera and families X. grandis is doing well. Currently the species is decreasing in population, which is thought to be primarily caused by human development destroying their habitat. If habitat destruction stops, the population should at least be stable, if not prosperous."}, {"description": "There are 5 major population areas for the Xenosaurus grandis in Southern Mexico and Guatemala: central Veracruz, southern Oaxaca, north-central Oaxaca, the highlands of central Chiapas, and central Guatemala. The separate population areas have given rise to 5 subspecies of X. grandis. The 5 subspecies are grandis, agrenon, arboreus, rackhami, and sanmartinesis.Xenosaurus grandis (GRAY, 1856). (2012). Retrieved 10/21/2012, 2012, from http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Xenosaurus&species=grandis&search_param=%28%28search%3D%27xenosaurus+grandis%27%29%29 All these subspecies live exclusively in rock crevices, which allows them to live in many habitats, including: xerophytic vegetation, tropical rainforests, cloud forests, oak forests, and tropical deciduous rainforests. The lizards have strong attachments to where they live, only living in 1-2 rock crevices for 95% of their entire lives."}, {"description": "AppearanceXenosaurus grandis has a flattened head and body and is nearly always found in rock crevices, or at least with a portion of the body in a crevice.Zuniga-Vega, J. J., Valverde, T., Rojas-Gonzalez, R. I., & Lemos-Espinal, J. A. (2007). Analysis of the population dynamics of an endangered lizard (xenosaurus grandis) through the use of projection matrices. Copeia, 2, 324-335. Its flattened physiology is most likely an adaptation to allow it to squeeze into narrow crevices. Its color ranges from dark grey to dark brown, with lighter bands or blotches. It has a forked tongue, and small, sharp, fang-like teeth.Hall, D. (2007). The Ultimate Guide to Snakes and Reptiles. Regency House Publishing, Kent. Body size On average, the snout-vent length (SVL) of Xenosaurus grandis is 6.8 - 12.9 cm.Smith, G. R., Lemos-Espinal, J. A. & Ballinger, R.E. (1997). Sexual dimorphism in two species of knob-scaled lizards (Genus Xenosaurus) from Mexico. Herpetologica, 53, 200-205. While some species of Xenosaurus do not exhibit sexual dimorphism, Xenosaurus grandis, among other species, is one that does. In Xenosaurus grandis, males and females do not differ significantly in body size, but males have proportionately larger heads (in length and width) than females. Males and females of X. grandis do not exhibit a significant difference in femur length or head shape. Body temperatureXenosaurus grandis is a diurnally active thermal conformer, meaning that its body temperature correlates with substrate and air temperatures. Its average body temperature is 22.7 C.Ballinger, R. E., Lemos-Espinal, J., Sanoja-Sarabia, S. & Coady, N. R. (1995). Ecological observations of the lizard, Xenosaurus grandis in Cuautlapan, Veracruz, Mexico. Biotropica, 27, 128-132. Air and substrate temperatures may be particularly relevant in Xenosaurus grandis since they are almost exclusively ground and crevice dwellers. Temperatures seem to differ across Xenosaurus species, possibly because of environment and habitat. Xenosaurus grandis appears to inhabit more dense tropical forests, where sunlight may not reach the ground as much.Lemos-Espinal, J. A., Smith, G. R. & Ballinger, R. E. (2003). Ecology of Xenosaurus grandis agrenon, a knob-scaled lizard from Oaxaca, M\u00e9xico. Journal of Herpetology, 37, 192-196. While body temperature is influenced by the lizard\u2019s amount of cover and its body position in its crevice, it does not seem to be influenced by sex, month, vegetation type, or any crevice characteristics. DietLizards in the Xenosaurus genus are exclusively found in crevices. Such a lifestyle suggests that the diets of these lizards might be opportunistic, and they eat whatever crawls or flies past or into their crevice. Lemos-Espinal, J. A. Smith, G. R., & Ballinger, R. E. (2003). Diets of three species of knob-scaled lizards (genus Xenosaurus) from Mexico. Southwestern Naturalist, 48, 119-122. Their diet consists primarily of insects, but occasional lizard prey are taken. Their most frequent prey includes coleopterans (beetles), dipterans (flies), orthopterans (insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, weta, and locusts), and myriapods (terrestrial arthropods such as millipedes and centipedes). On the basis of number, they consume the most dipterans, but on the basis of volume, they consume the most orthopterans."}, {"description": "Xenosaurus grandis and the rest of the xenosaurids are viviparous, which means offspring are birthed live rather than in eggs. Young are birthed after a 9-month gestation period. The majority of litters contain only three offspring, but litters ranging from two to seven offspring have also been observed. Male knob-scaled lizards reach maturity at 28 months, while females reach maturity a little later, at 32 months.Z\u00fa\u00f1iga-Vega, J. J., Rojas-Gonz\u00e1lez, R. I, Lemos-Espinal, J. A. and P\u00e9rez-Trejo, M. E. (2005). Growth ecology of the lizard Xenosaurus grandis in Veracruz, M\u00e9xico. Journal of Herpetology, 39, 433-443. It is also plausible to say that X. grandis do not produce young every year.Goldberg, Stephen R. (2009). Notes on the reproduction of the knob-scaled lizard, Xenosaurus grandis (Squamata: Xenosauridae), from Veracruz, Mexico. The Texas Journal of Science, 61"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 5223866, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 5223866, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2456741": "Atractus", "6172": "Colubridae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Atractus albuquerquei", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Albuquerque Ground Snake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Albuquerque ground snake"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 6172, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Atractus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119583298", "genusKey": 2456741, "canonicalName": "Atractus albuquerquei", "key": 5223866, "authorship": "DA Cunha & DO Nascimento, 1983", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Atractus albuquerquei DA Cunha & DO Nascimento, 1983", "genus": "Atractus", "parentKey": 2456741, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Atractus albuquerquei, commonly known as the Albuquerque ground snake, is a small burrowing colubrid snake."}, {"description": "It is endemic to Brazil. It is found in forested areas and Cerrado habitats in the states of Rond\u00f4nia, Par\u00e1, Acre, Goias, Mato Grosso, and Mato Grosso do Sul."}, {"description": "BZC-MS"}, {"description": "BZC-MT"}, {"description": "BZE-MA"}, {"description": "BZN-AC"}, {"description": "BZN-AM"}, {"description": "BZN-PA"}, {"description": "BZN-RO"}, {"description": "BZN-TO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Teiidae", "nubKey": 5227374, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 5227374, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2472008": "Callopistes", "5019": "Teiidae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Callopistes maculatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Spotted False Monitor"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5019, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Callopistes", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119583720", "genusKey": 2472008, "canonicalName": "Callopistes maculatus", "key": 5227374, "authorship": "Gravenhorst, 1838", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 3, "scientificName": "Callopistes maculatus Gravenhorst, 1838", "genus": "Callopistes", "parentKey": 2472008, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Dwarf Tegu or Spotted False Monitor (Callopistes maculatus) is a species of lizard in the Teiidae family. It is endemic to Chile, with emphasis on occurrence in the Chilean matorral ecoregion according to Hogan and World Wildlife Fund."}, {"description": "It is the largest lizard of Chile, reaching a 50 cm (19.6 in) length. A diurnal species, it mainly preys upon insects, although it also eats other smaller lizards, snakes, and small birds and mammals.http://www.atlasherpetozoos.cl/Reptiles/CPalluma.html"}, {"description": "Reptile database: Callopistes maculatus Ireland's Reptile Community: Common Names/Scientific Names Reptic Zone: Reptile and Amphibian Information Tegu Talk: Sci-Tech Dictionary: Teiidae"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 5789857, "speciesKey": 113285642, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113284436, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113285640": "Homalopsis", "113284436": "Squamata", "113284875": "Colubridae", "113284374": "Reptilia", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Homalopsis buccata", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Puff-faced Water Snake"}], "classKey": 113284374, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113284875, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Homalopsis", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "3604972", "genusKey": 113285640, "canonicalName": "Homalopsis buccata", "key": 113285642, "authorship": " (Linnaeus, 1758)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Homalopsis buccata (Linnaeus, 1758)", "genus": "Homalopsis", "parentKey": 113285640, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Bangladesh; Myanmar, Cambodia; Thailand; Vietnam; Indonesia (Sumatra, Riau Archipelago, Bangka, Belitung, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi); Laos; W Malaysia (Malaya); Singapore; NE India; Nepal; Pulau Bangka"}, {"description": "Inter nasals smaller than prefrontals; frontal often broken up into small shields, a little broader or sometimes narrower than the supraocular; parietals short; loreal present, sometimes divided; one or two pre- and two postoculars; one to three suboculars may be present; temporals small; ten to twelve upper labials, fifth or sixth entering the eye or narrowly separated from it; two or three pair of chin-shields, inner in contact with the three anterior lower labials. Scales in 37\u201347 rows; ventrals 158\u2013176; anal divided; subcaudals 70\u2013106. Dark brown above, with narrow, pale brown, black-edged transverse bands, in young specimens yellow; head pale with a triangular or V-shaped dark marking on the snout, a A-shaped spot on the occiput, and a dark band on each side passing through the eye and extending to before the eye. Lower surface white or yellowish, with dark brown spots along each side; tail with brown spots. Length of head and body 820 mm.; tail 230 mm. Eats fish and frogs.Rooij, Nelly de 1915. Reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Leiden."}, {"description": "Puff-faced Water Snake or Masked Water Snake (Homalopsis buccata) is a species of water snake found in tropical areas of South and Southeast Asia."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "nubKey": 6162870, "phylum": "Chordata", "descriptions": [], "higherClassificationMap": {"114295502": "Chordata", "114295517": "Reptilia", "114295474": "Animalia"}, "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 114295517, "habitats": [], "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Reptilia", "kingdomKey": 114295474, "taxonID": "1439", "canonicalName": "Boa constrictor imperator", "key": 100220749, "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 114295502, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "b351a324-77c4-41c9-a909-f30f77268bc4", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Boa constrictor imperator", "parentKey": 114295517}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gerrhosauridae", "nubKey": 2451641, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110965016, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "110964906": "Gerrhosauridae", "109354902": "Animalia", "110775394": "Chordata", "110964994": "Zonosaurus", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Zonosaurus ornatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Ornate Girdled Lizard"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110964906, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Zonosaurus", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13210261", "genusKey": 110964994, "canonicalName": "Zonosaurus ornatus", "key": 110965016, "authorship": " (Gray, 1831)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Zonosaurus ornatus (Gray, 1831)", "genus": "Zonosaurus", "parentKey": 110964994, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xenopeltidae", "speciesKey": 104102182, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 104072682, "higherClassificationMap": {"103882489": "Chordata", "104072682": "Squamata", "103832354": "Metazoa", "104102180": "Xenopeltis", "104102178": "Xenopeltidae"}, "species": "Xenopeltis unicolor", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "sunbeam snake"}], "habitats": [], "familyKey": 104102178, "kingdom": "Metazoa", "parent": "Xenopeltis", "kingdomKey": 103832354, "taxonID": "196253", "genusKey": 104102180, "canonicalName": "Xenopeltis unicolor", "key": 104102182, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 103882489, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "fab88965-e69d-4491-a04d-e3198b626e52", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Xenopeltis unicolor", "genus": "Xenopeltis", "parentKey": 104102180, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"numOccurrences": 0, "nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "synonym": false, "higherClassificationMap": {}, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "vernacularNames": [], "canonicalName": "Mosasauroidea", "taxonID": "19772238", "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Mosasauroidea Gervais, 1853", "descriptions": [{"description": "Mosasauroidea is an extinct superfamily of Late Cretaceous lizards that includes the highly marine mosasaurs and their relatives the \"aigialosaurs\"."}], "key": 113682426, "habitats": [], "authorship": "Gervais, 1853", "extinct": false, "nomenclaturalStatus": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 5222420, "speciesKey": 113423133, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113423118": "Phrynosomatidae", "113423128": "Phrynosoma", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Phrynosoma orbiculare", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Mexican Plateau horned lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113423118, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phrynosoma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "2921623", "genusKey": 113423128, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma orbiculare", "key": 113423133, "authorship": " (Linnaeus, 1789)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma orbiculare (Linnaeus, 1789)", "genus": "Phrynosoma", "parentKey": 113423128, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "This species is found only in the high plateau country of central Mexico. Specifically, it is found in the states of Chihuahua, Durango, and Nuevo Le\u00f3n. Its range continues southeast through Morelos, Puebla and Veracruz."}, {"description": "Phrynosoma orbiculare has a characteristic single row of lateral abdominal fringe scales. This \"horned toad\" also has two short occipital horns.Digimorph.org"}, {"description": "The Mexican Plateau horned lizard (Phrynosoma orbiculare) is a species of heavily spined horned lizard. It is also known as the Chihuahua Desert horned lizard.Digimorph.org The specific epithet, orbiculare, comes from the Latin adjective orbicularis, meaning \"circular\"."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Tropiduridae", "nubKey": 2460039, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2460039, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "9116": "Tropiduridae", "1": "Animalia", "2460038": "Plica", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Plica plica", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "tree runner"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Stelzenl\u00e4uferleguan"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Tree Runner"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9116, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Plica", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119589857", "genusKey": 2460038, "canonicalName": "Plica plica", "key": 2460039, "authorship": "Linnaeus, 1758", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Plica plica Linnaeus, 1758", "genus": "Plica", "parentKey": 2460038, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Plica plica is a species of lizard in the family Tropiduridae, the Neotropical ground lizards. Is common names include collared tree lizard,Henderson, R. W. and J. C. Murphy. (2012). The Collared Tree Lizard, Plica plica (Tropiduridae), on Grenada. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians 19(3) 215\u2013216. collared tree runner,Projects Information for Conservation in Peru: Recorded Wildlife at Taricaya. Projects Abroad. and harlequin racerunner.Reptiles of the Konashen COCA, Guyana. Conservation International. 2013. In Guyana it is known as wakanama. It is native to South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, Surinam, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia,Kirigin-Aguilar, A. J. (2012). Primer registro de Plica plica (Linnaeus, 1758) para el departamento de La Paz, Bolivia. Comentarios sobre la extensi\u00f3n de la distribuci\u00f3n geogr\u00e1fica para Plica umbra (Linnaeus 1758), (Squamata: Tropiduridae). Cuad Herpetol 26(1) 61-62. Peru, and Ecuador. It can also be found in the Caribbean, on Trinidad.Plica plica. The Reptile Database. It was long ago collected in Grenada, but these specimens were likely waifs.This lizard is diurnal, active during the day, and arboreal, living most of its life adhered to the sides of tree trunks. It comes down from the trees only to lay eggs, which it places inside rotting palm trees and in palm litter. The female produces at least two clutches per reproductive season, with an average clutch size of three eggs. Larger females lay more eggs than smaller ones.Vitt, L. J. (1991). Ecology and life history of the scansorial arboreal lizard Plica plica (Iguanidae) in Amazonian Brazil. Canadian Journal of Zoology 69(2) 504-11. The embryos are sensitive to vibration; lightly rolling an egg can induce it to hatch early. The hatchling is known to explode from the egg and immediately begin running, reaching up to half a meter on its first sprint.Doody, J. S. (2011). Environmentally cued hatching in reptiles. Integr Comp Biol 51(1) 49-61. The diet of the lizard is composed of insects, and it specializes on ants.Goldberg, S. R., et al. (2009). Diet and parasite communities of two lizard species, Plica plica and Plica umbra from Brazil and Ecuador. The Herpetological Journal 19(1) 49-52.The male can exceed 17 centimeters in length, the female 15 centimeters. The body is flattened in shape, likely an adaptation to sticking to vertical tree trunks. It has bunches of spines on its neck. It is mostly olive green or greenish in color with dark brown mottling or banding. The chin is whitish, the throat is black, and there is a black \"collar\" around its neck.Etheridge, R. (1950). A review of the South American iguanid lizard genus Plica. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History). 19 237. It is \"mint-chocolate-chip-colored,\"Holloway, M. Sustaining the Amazon. Scientific American July, 1993. a color tone that helps it blend in to mossy tree bark.Its habitat is mainly primary and secondary forest. There it prefers to live on the largest of the forest trees. This lizard has a low active body temperature, around 30.7\u00baC. This may be related to its habit of remaining on trees in shady forest, where there is little opportunity to bask.Ribeiro, L. B., et al. (2008). Thermoregulatory behavior of the saxicolous lizard, Tropidurus torquatus (Squamata, Tropiduridae), in a rocky outcrop in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 3(1) 63-70.The lizard harbors parasites such the digenea flatworm Mesocoelium monas and several nematodes, such as Oswaldocruzia vitti, Physalopteroides venancioi, Strongyluris oscari, and Physaloptera retusa. The protozoan Plasmodium guyannense was first described from this lizard in 1979.Telford, S. R. (1979). Reconsideraci\u00f3n taxon\u00f3mica de algunas especies de Plasmodiun de lagartijas igu\u00e1nidas. Annales de Parasitologie Humaine et Comparee 54(2) 129-144.One tribe in the Tucano culture of Colombia holds this lizard in high regard. It is one of the most important animals in their mythology, and they call it vai-mahse, meaning \"lord of animals\". It is also a phallic symbol. The lizard's hemipenis is visible at times, an organ that has been described as \"aberrant\" in shape, and a \"small, red stick\" that gives the animal special powers. Tucano people under the influence of hallucinogens have created artwork featuring various symbols of masculinity, with some representations bearing strong resemblance to the hemipenis.Bohme, W. (1983). The Tucano Indians of Colombia and the iguanid lizard Plica plica: Ethnological, herpetological and ethological implications. Biotropica 15(2) 148-150."}, {"description": "BZC-MT"}, {"description": "BZN-AC"}, {"description": "BZN-AM"}, {"description": "BZN-AP"}, {"description": "BZN-PA"}, {"description": "BZN-RO"}, {"description": "CLM-OO"}, {"description": "ECU-OO"}, {"description": "FRG-OO"}, {"description": "GUY-OO"}, {"description": "PER-OO"}, {"description": "SUR-OO"}, {"description": "TRT-OO"}, {"description": "VEN-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Teiidae", "nubKey": 2472485, "speciesKey": 113424628, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113415521": "Squamata", "113424568": "Teiidae", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia", "113424625": "Aspidoscelis"}, "species": "Aspidoscelis tigris", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Western Whiptail"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113424568, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Aspidoscelis", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "2857179", "genusKey": 113424625, "canonicalName": "Aspidoscelis tigris", "key": 113424628, "authorship": " (Baird & Girard, 1852)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Aspidoscelis tigris (Baird and Girard, 1852)", "genus": "Aspidoscelis", "parentKey": 113424625, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "When being attacked by a predator, the western whiptail will drop its tail. The muscles in the tail will continue contracting causing the tail to flop around. This is used to distract the predator from the lizard. However, this is a last ditch effort. It is very stressful for the lizard. It takes a lot of energy to regrow their tail, and they lose a lot of stored food. This is often a tactic they use with domestic and feral cats."}, {"description": "The western whiptail\u2019s chromosomes show that they are polyploids. They are also a bisexual species. Usually in the northern end of their range, they mate in the first half of June while the females begin to lay eggs in late June. The eggs usually begin hatching by mid-August. Females will only lay one clutch (number of eggs laid at a single time) per year. At the southern end of their range, however, the females will begin to lay eggs as early as May and they will usually hatch as early as mid-June. In the southern end of their range, females may also lay two clutches per year instead of just one.Vitt, Laurie J. \"Ecology and Reproduction of Lower Colorado River Lizards: II. Cnemidophorus tigris (Teiidae), with Comparisons.\" Herpetologica 33.2 (1977): 223-34. JSTOR. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.Goldberg, Stephen R., and Charles H. Lowe. \"The Reproductive Cycle of the Western Whiptail Lizard (Cnemidophorus tigris) in Southern Arizona.\" Journal of Morphology 118.4 (1966): 543-48. Web."}, {"description": "The western whiptail is usually found throughout Southern Idaho through southern Arizona and into northern Sonora. In the northern parts of its range, the western whiptail usually emerge from hibernation in May, and most adults aestivate during the midsummer months, but in the south the animals are active from April through late August. The seasonal period of activity is therefore considerably shorter in the north. Daily periods of activity are of similar duration from north to south, although the time of emergence tends to be later in northern areas. They are found in desert regions that have moderate to limited amounts of vegetation such as sagebrush or shadscale (a species of evergreen shrub). Their habitats range from sand and gravel to hardpan and loess. Regardless of type, however, burrows seem to be an important component. Rocks on the other hand, don't seem to be necessary.McCoy, C. J. 1965. Life history and ecology of Cnemidophorus tigris septentrionalis. Ph.D. thesis, University of Colorado, Boulder."}, {"description": "The western whiptail mostly eats insects, spiders, scorpions, lepidopterans (butterflies and moths), crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles. They use their jaws instead of their tongue to capture their prey.Anderson, Roger A. \"Energetics of the Lizard Cnemidophorus tigris and Life History Consequences of Food-Acquisition Mode.\" Ecological Monographs 58.2 (1988): 79-110. JSTOR. Web. 10 Nov. 2014."}, {"description": "The western whiptail has a long and slender body, small grainy scales on its back, and larger rectangular scales on its belly. Its upper side often has light stripes and its throat can be pinkish or somewhat orange when they are adults. Their maximum size is about 5 inches. Hatchlings are orange-yellow with dark brown-black spots or stripes.Hammerson, G. A. 1982. Amphibians and reptiles in Colorado. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver. vii + 131 pp.Cole, Charles J., Charles W. Painter, Herbert C. Dessauer, and Harry L. Taylor. \"Hybridization Between the Endangered Unisexual Gray-Checkered Whiptail Lizard (Aspidoscelis dixoni) and the Bisexual Western Whiptail Lizard (Aspidoscelis tigris) in Southwestern New Mexico.\" American Museum Novitates 3555.1 (2007): 1-31. Web."}, {"description": "The western whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris) is a small lizard that ranges throughout most of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Most of its populations appear stable, and is not listed as endangered in any of the states comprising its range. It lives in a wide variety of habitats, including deserts and semiarid shrubland, usually in areas with sparse vegetation; also woodland, open dry forest, and riparian growth. It lives in burrows. Major differences between this species and the checkered whiptail (Aspidoscelis tesselata) include the lack of enlarged scales anterior to the gular fold and the presence of enlarged antebatrachial scales. It was previously known under Cnemidophorus tigris, until phylogenetic analyses concluded that the genus Cnemidophorus was polyphyletic. Since it does not migrate, a number of forms have developed in different regions, several of which have been given sub-specific names - for example the California whiptail, Aspidoscelis tigris munda."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Cordylidae", "nubKey": 5227247, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 5227242, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "5227242": "Cordylus warreni", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "3238496": "Cordylus", "6173": "Cordylidae", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "SYNONYM", "extinct": false, "species": "Cordylus warreni", "accepted": "Cordylus warreni mossambicus Fitzsimons, 1958", "acceptedKey": 6158803, "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Mozambique girdled lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 6173, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Cordylus warreni", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119614712", "genusKey": 3238496, "canonicalName": "Cordylus mossambicus", "key": 5227247, "authorship": "Branch, 1998", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": true, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Cordylus mossambicus Branch, 1998", "genus": "Cordylus", "parentKey": 5227242, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Mozambique girdled lizard or flame-bellied armadillo lizard (Cordylus mossambicus) is a large, flattened, girdled lizard found in the Gorongosa Mountains in Mozambique and low elevations in the Chimanimani Mountains at the border of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It lives in rock outcrops in grasslands and dry, wooded mountain slopes.Mozambique girdled lizards reach 137.5 mm from snout to vent and 281 mm in total length (based on a captive individual). Males are dark brown to black above with bright orange undersides and black throats. Females and juveniles are dark brown above with small cream spots scattered on the neck and back. The bellies and sides are gray with orange and black mottles on the lower jaws and throat.Males are distinguished from the closely related regal girdled lizard (Cordylus regius) by the black chin and throat (yellow chin, mottled throat in C. regius) and the presence of a brown patch in front of the cloaca on the belly. Females and juveniles of C. regius and C. mossambicus are nearly identical. In C. regius, their heads are pale brown. Both species were once considered to be subspecies of the Warren\u2019s girdled lizard (Cordylus warreni).The Mozambique girdled lizard is also called the flame-bellied armadillo lizard, Gorongosa girdled lizard, or Cordylus gorongosa (not a valid taxon name). Individuals are exported through Mozambique for the pet trade. They eat a wide variety of small insects (especially beetles and grasshoppers), millipedes, spiders, and occasional small vertebrates."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gekkonidae", "nubKey": 2447367, "speciesKey": 113421054, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113420936": "Gekkonidae", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113421047": "Gekko", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Gekko gecko", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Tokay gecko"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113420936, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Gekko", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "1457471", "genusKey": 113421047, "canonicalName": "Gekko gecko", "key": 113421054, "authorship": " (Linnaeus, 1758)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Gekko gecko (Linnaeus, 1758)", "genus": "Gekko", "parentKey": 113421047, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Two subspecies are currently recognized. G. g. gecko (Linnaeus, 1758): tropical Asia from northeastern India to eastern Indonesia. G. g. azhari Mertens, 1955: found in Bangladesh only."}, {"description": "The Tokay Gecko is the second largest Gecko species, attaining lengths of about 11 - for males, and 7 - for females, with weights of only 150 \u2013. They are distinctive in appearance, with a bluish or grayish body, sporting spots ranging from light yellow to bright red. The male is more brightly colored than the female. They have large eyes with a vertical slit pupil. Eyes are brown to greenish brown and can be orange or yellow.Males are very territorial, and will attack other male Tokays as well as other Gecko species, as well as anything else in their territory. They are solitary and only meet during the mating season. Females lay clutches of one or two hard shelled eggs which are guarded until they hatch. Tokay Geckos feed on insects and small vertebrates.Corl, J. 1999. \"Gekko gecko\" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed July 12, 2008 at [1] Their strong bite is needed to crack the shell of hard cockroaches that live in the rainforests. They are also extremely strong climbers and their foot pads can support their entire weight on a vertical surface for a long amount of time without any effort. Compared to other gecko species, the Tokay has a robust build, with a semi-prehensile tail, a large head and muscular jaws; though common in the pet trade, Tokays are reputed to be capable of inflicting a painful bite, making them ill-suited for inexperienced keepers. http://www.reptilechannel.com/lizards/wild-lizards/look-tokay-gecko.aspx"}, {"description": "The tokay gecko is quickly becoming a threatened species in the Philippines, where it is locally known as tuko, because of indiscriminate hunting. Collecting, transporting and trading geckos without a license can be punishable by up to twelve years in jail and a fine of up to 1,000,000 pesos under Republic Act 9147 in addition to other applicable international laws. However, the trade runs unchecked due to the sheer number of illegal traders and reports of lucrative deals. Chinese buyers and other foreign nationals are rumored to pay thousands of dollars for large specimens, reportedly because of their alleged medicinal value or as commodities in the illegal wildlife trade.http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5782/jail-warning-to-save-philippine-geckos Tokay geckos are frequently traded for medicinal purposes in Vietnam and China."}, {"description": "Their mating call, a loud croak, is variously described as sounding like token, gekk-gekk or Poo-Kay where both the common and the scientific name (deriving from onomatopoeic names in Malay, Sundanese, Tagalog, Thai, or Javanese), as well as the family name Gekkonidae and the generic term gecko come from. The call is similar to the call made by Gekko smithii (Large Forest Gecko).The gecko's call is responsible also for a slang name given to it by U.S. soldiers in Vietnam: the f- you lizard."}, {"description": "The tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is a nocturnal arboreal gecko, ranging from northeast India, Bhutan,to Nepal and Bangladesh, throughout Southeast Asia, Philippines to Indonesia and western New Guinea. Its native habitat is rainforest trees and cliffs, and it also frequently adapts to rural human habitations, roaming walls and ceilings at night in search of insect prey. Increasing urbanization is reducing its range . The tokay gecko is known as a takshak in Bengali, hukok in Manipuri tuko in the Philippines, tokkae in Malaysia, tokek in Indonesian/Javanese, t\u1eafc k\u00e8 in Vietnamese, kokkek in Zomi and \u0e15\u0e38\u0e4a\u0e01\u0e41\u0e01 in Thai,'Sawk-khe' in HMAR 'Awke' in [Mizo language, India] for its characteristic vocalizations."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 5224480, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 5224480, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2459125": "Lampropeltis", "6172": "Colubridae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Lampropeltis getula", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Kettennatter"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Common Kingsnake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Eastern Kingsnake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Florida Kingsnake"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Ketten-K\u00f6nigsnatter"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Common Kingsnake"}, {"language": "spa", "vernacularName": "Culebra-real com\u00c3\u00ban"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 6172, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Lampropeltis", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119586168", "genusKey": 2459125, "canonicalName": "Lampropeltis getula", "key": 5224480, "authorship": "Linnaeus, 1766", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 11, "scientificName": "Lampropeltis getula Linnaeus, 1766", "genus": "Lampropeltis", "parentKey": 2459125, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Long a favorite among collectors, they do well in captivity, living for up to 25 years or more. Some of the most popular kingsnakes kept in captivity are California, Brook's, Florida and Mexican black kingsnakes."}, {"description": "Eastern Kingsnake, Common Kingsnake, Chain Kingsnake, Kingsnake, Carolina Kingsnake, Chain Snake, Bastard Horn Snake, Black Kingsnake, Black Moccasin, Common Chain Snake, Cow Sucker, Eastern Kingsnake, Horse Racer, Master Snake, North American Kingsnake, Oakleaf Rattler, Pied Snake, Pine Snake, Racer, Rattlesnake Pilot, Thunder-and-Lightning Snake, Thunderbolt, Thunder Snake, Wamper, Wampum Snake. Also In North Carolina it is called the Pied Piper."}, {"description": "Adult specimens can range from 51 to in length.Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. Dorling Kindersley Publishing. 624 pp. ISBN 0-7894-7764-5.[1] Speckled Kingsnakes are the smallest race on average, at 91.5 cm (in snout-to-vent length) on average, while the nominate is the largest, at 107 cm on average. Specimens up to 208.2\u00a0cm (82\u00a0inches) have been recorded.[2] Weight can vary from 285 g in a small specimen of 87.2 cm in length, to 2268 g in large specimens, of over 153 cm in length.[3]The color pattern consists of a glossy black, blue-black or dark brown ground color overlaid with a series of 23-52 white chain-like rings.Wright AH, Wright AA. 1957. Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. 2 volumes. Ithaca and London: Comstock Publishing Associates. (7th printing, 1985). 1,105 pp. ISBN 0-8014-0463-0. King snakes from the Coastal Plain have wider bands, while those found in mountainous areas have thinner bands or may be completely black."}, {"description": "Lampropeltis getula, commonly known as the eastern kingsnake,Conant R. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Second Edition. (First published in 1958). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 429 pp + 48 plates. ISBN 0-395-19979-4 (hardcover), ISBN 0-395-19977-8 (paperback). common kingsnake,Behler JL, King FW. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 743 pp. LCCCN 79-2217. ISBN 0-394-50824-6. or chain kingsnakeMehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X. (more), is a harmless colubrid species endemic to the United States and Mexico. It has long been a favorite among collectors. Eight subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here."}, {"description": "They eat other snakes, including venomous snakes. They have developed a hunting technique to avoid being bitten by clamping down on the jaws of the venomous prey, but even if bitten, they are immune to the venom. They also eat amphibians, turtle eggs, lizards, and small mammals, which they kill by constriction.Schmidt, K.P. and D.D. Davis. 1941. Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. G.P. Putnam's Sons. New York. p. 176."}, {"description": "Found in the United States in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, portions of Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, south and southwest Illinois, southern Indiana, southern Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, southern and western Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, southern Ohio, southeastern Oklahoma, southern Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, southern Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. Also found in northern Mexico, including all of Baja California."}, {"description": "Open areas are preferred, particularly grassland, but also chaparral, oak woodland, abandoned farms, desert, low mountains, sand, and any type of riparian zone, including swamps, canals and streams."}, {"description": "Oviparous, females lay up to several dozen eggs that hatch after 2-2.5 months of incubation. Hatchlings are brightly colored and feed on small snakes, lizards and rodents."}, {"description": "Subspecies Authority Common name Geographic range L. g. californiae (Blainville, 1835) California kingsnake L. g. floridana Blanchard, 1919 Florida kingsnake L. g. getula (Linnaeus, 1766) Eastern kingsnake L. g. holbrooki Stejneger, 1902 Speckled kingsnake L. g. nigra (Yarrow, 1882) Black kingsnake L. g. nigrita Zweifel & Norris, 1955 Mexican black kingsnake L. g. splendida (Baird & Girard, 1853) Desert kingsnake L. g. meansi Krysko & Judd, 2006 Apalachicola Lowlands Kingsnake Apalachicola Lowlands, Florida"}, {"description": "Die Kettennatter (Lampropeltis getula) ist eine Schlangenart aus der Familie der Nattern, die in den USA und Mexiko vorkommt."}, {"description": "Kettennattern leben verborgen und entfernen sich nur selten weit von ihrem Schlupfwinkel. Wenn sie bei einem Angriff nicht fliehen k\u00f6nnen, k\u00f6nnen sie eine \u00fcbel riechende Fl\u00fcssigkeit verspritzen. Als Beutetiere dienen kleine S\u00e4ugetiere, V\u00f6gel, junge Schildkr\u00f6ten, Echsen und andere Schlangen (selbst giftige Arten), die erdrosselt werden.In k\u00fchleren Klimaten \u00fcberwintern Kettennattern drei bis sechs Monate. Die Paarung findet im Anschluss daran im Fr\u00fchjahr statt. Von Juni bis August werden die Gelege aus drei bis drei\u00dfig Eiern abgelegt, aus denen nach zwei bis vier Monaten die 25 bis 30 Zentimeter langen Jungtiere schl\u00fcpfen."}, {"description": "Die Kettennatter ist eine etwa 150 Zentimeter, h\u00f6chstens etwa zwei Meter lange Schlange. Ihr Kopf ist oval und kaum vom Hals abgesetzt. Die Pupille des gro\u00dfen Auges ist rund. Die Grundf\u00e4rbung ist schwarz mit hellen Zeichnungen, die sich je nach Unterart unterscheiden. Die \u00dcberg\u00e4nge sind dabei allerdings flie\u00dfend, zudem kommen Verbastardisierungen zwischen den Unterarten h\u00e4ufig vor, was die genaue Abgrenzung nach morphologischen Kriterien schwierig macht.Die Nominatform (L. g. getula) weist 15 bis 44 Querbinden von wei\u00dfer bis gelblicher F\u00e4rbung auf, die sich zu einem kettenartigen Muster f\u00fcgen. Die Bauchseite ist gefleckt oder geb\u00e4ndert. Der Kopf weist sechs bis acht Supralabialschilde und neun, selten zehn Infralabialschilde auf. Der Rumpf weist in der Mitte 21, sehr selten 23 schr\u00e4ge Reihen Schuppen, 203 bis 238 Ventralschilde, 38 bis 58 Subkaudalschilde und einen ungeteilten Analschild auf.Die Kalifornische Kettennatter (L. g. californiae) ist dunkelbraun bis schwarz mit wei\u00dfen oder gelben Querbinden. Eine F\u00e4rbungsvariante weist ein L\u00e4ngsband in der R\u00fcckenmitte von gleicher F\u00e4rbung wie die Querbinden auf. Die Schlangen der Gattung Lampropeltis gibt es mittlerweile in zahlreichen Farbformen. Neben nat\u00fcrlichen Mutationen wie Albinos werden durch Kreuzungen auch melanistische und hypomelanistische Tiere gez\u00fcchtet. Exemplare mit einem besonders hohen Gelbanteil werden auch als \u201eBanana-Kingsnakes / Banana Phase\u201c bezeichnet. Bekannt sind au\u00dferdem die Farbformen Desert Phase, Golden Albino und Lavender. Es gibt sowohl geringelte als auch l\u00e4ngs gestreifte Exemplare von Lampropeltis getula californiae. Schwarze W\u00fcstenkettennatter (Lampropeltis getula nigrita) Die Schwarze Kettennatter (L. g. nigra) und die Schwarze W\u00fcstenkettennatter (L. g. nigrita) sind fast vollst\u00e4ndig schwarz mit gelblichen Sprenkeln auf den einzelnen Schuppen.Bei der Floridakettennatter (L. g. floridanus) besitzen die Schuppen ein helles Zentrum. Die B\u00e4nderung wird bei dieser Unterart mit zunehmendem Alter undeutlich.Bei der Gefleckten Kettennatter (L. g. holbrooki) ist die B\u00e4nderung h\u00f6chstens noch angedeutet, daf\u00fcr sind die einzelnen Schuppen wei\u00dflich bis gr\u00fcnlich gefleckt."}, {"description": "Kalifornische Kettennatter (Lampropeltis getula californiae) Lampropeltis getula ist die \u00e4lteste beschriebene Getula-Art. Aufgrund ihrer Zeichnung wurde sie fr\u00fcher auch Ketten-K\u00f6nigsnatter genannt. Von LINN\u00c8 wurde sie 1766 noch als Coluber getulus bezeichnet. Die taxonomische Einteilung hat sich seit dem mehrfach ge\u00e4ndert. Seit 2009 unterliegt Lampropeltis getula dem Artstatus und wurde mit Unterarten wie \u201efloridana (brooksi)\u201c, \u201emeansi\u201c und \u201egetula getula\u201c zusammengefasst. Bis dahin waren mehrere Unterarten beschrieben[ Lampropeltis getula], Eintrag bei ITIS: Kalifornische Kettennatter (Lampropeltis getula californiae, (Blainville), 1835) Floridakettennatter (Lampropeltis getula floridana, Blanchard, 1919) \u00d6stliche Kettennatter (Lampropeltis getula getula, (Linnaeus), 1766) Gefleckte Kettennatter (Lampropeltis getula holbrooki, Stejneger, 1902) Schwarze Kettennatter (Lampropeltis getula nigra, (Yarrow), 1882) Schwarze W\u00fcstenkettennatter (Lampropeltis getula nigrita Zweifel und Norris, 1955) W\u00fcstenkettennatter (Lampropeltis getula splendida, Baird und Girard, 1853) Outer Banks-Kettennatter (Lampropeltis getula sticticeps Barbour und Engels, 1942)"}, {"description": "Die Kettennatter kommt von in den \u00f6stlichen und s\u00fcd\u00f6stlichen Staaten der USA und in Mexiko vor. Sie bewohnt W\u00e4lder, Gestr\u00fcpp, Kulturland oder H\u00e4nge mit Versteckm\u00f6glichkeiten von der Ebene bis zu 800 Meter Meeresh\u00f6he."}, {"description": "DEL-OO"}, {"description": "MRY-OO"}, {"description": "MXN-BC"}, {"description": "MXN-BS"}, {"description": "MXN-SO"}, {"description": "NCA-OO"}, {"description": "NWJ-OO"}, {"description": "VRG-OO"}, {"description": "WVA-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "speciesKey": 100089355, "rank": "SPECIES", "descriptions": [], "higherClassificationMap": {"114607827": "Animalia"}, "vernacularNames": [], "habitats": [], "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Animalia", "kingdomKey": 114607827, "taxonID": "4991", "canonicalName": "Scincus galliwasp", "key": 100089355, "authorship": "Oken", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "80b4b440-eaca-4860-aadf-d0dfdd3e856e", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Scincus galliwasp Oken, 1816", "parentKey": 114607827}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Polychrotidae", "nubKey": 2468054, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2468054, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"5017": "Polychrotidae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2468047": "Polychrus", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Polychrus gutturosus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Berthold's Bush Anole"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Berthold s Bush Anole"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5017, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Polychrus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119588247", "genusKey": 2468047, "canonicalName": "Polychrus gutturosus", "key": 2468054, "authorship": "Berthold, 1845", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Polychrus gutturosus Berthold, 1845", "genus": "Polychrus", "parentKey": 2468047, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Berthold's Bush Anole (Polychrus gutturosus) is a species of lizard found throughout tropical Central and South America. It is sometimes referred to as a forest iguana. It lives in forests and jungles from Honduras to Ecuador.Polychrus gutturosus, The Reptile Database It ranges from 24\u201334\u00a0inches from head to tail. This insectivorous anole is a climbing species that can often be seen holding onto branches. It can even hold on with its hind legs, though it moves slowly that way."}, {"description": "Longmann's animal encyclopedia"}, {"description": "COS-OO"}, {"description": "ECU-OO"}, {"description": "HON-OO"}, {"description": "NIC-OO"}, {"description": "PAN-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "nubKey": 2422980, "speciesKey": 114152656, "rank": "SPECIES", "orderKey": 114109805, "higherClassificationMap": {"114109802": null, "114109800": null, "114109805": null, "114109784": null, "114149971": "Amietophrynus Frost, Grant, Faivovich, Bain, Haas, Haddad, de S\u00e1, Channing, Wilkinson, Donnellan, Raxworthy, Campbell, Blotto, Moler, Drewes, Nussbaum, Lynch, Green, and Wheeler, 2006", "114149643": null}, "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Flat-backed Toad"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Hallowell's Toad"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Lesser Cross-marked Toad"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Lesser Square-marked Toad"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Merten's Striped Toad"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Spotted Toad"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Striped Toad"}], "classKey": 114109802, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 114149643, "parent": "Amietophrynus Frost, Grant, Faivovich, Bain, Haas, Haddad, de S\u00e1, Channing, Wilkinson, Donnellan, Raxworthy, Campbell, Blotto, Moler, Drewes, Nussbaum, Lynch, Green, and Wheeler, 2006", "kingdomKey": 114109784, "taxonID": "9eaab2ad-0a43-4227-8b41-b0e884734493", "genusKey": 114149971, "canonicalName": "Amietophrynus maculatus", "key": 114152656, "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 114109800, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "dcf01d09-13b0-4063-b040-ec270cd58a17", "threatStatuses": [], "publishedIn": "Remarks on the geographic distribution of reptiles, with descriptions of several species supposed to be new, and corrections of former papers.", "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Amietophrynus maculatus (Hallowell, 1854)", "parentKey": 114149971, "descriptions": [{"description": "Sandflies are known to feed on the blood of B. maculates (Braack et al. 1981), while juveniles and adults are preyed on by the Common Night Adder Causus rhombeatus (Pienaar et al. 1976). In Ivory Coast, the Spotted Night Adder Causus maculatus and a scorpion Pandinus imperator were recorded as predators (R\u00f6del 2000). In savanna pools in Ivory Coast, tadpoles of the Crowned Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus occipitalis feed on the tadpoles of A. maculatus. Adults feed mainly on ants, but also on beetles and alate termites (Text from Minter et al., 2004, \u00a9 SI/MAB Biodiversity Program)."}, {"description": "Much of its habitat is well protected in cattle and game farming areas; consequently the species is not threatened (Text from Minter et al., 2004, \u00a9 SI/MAB Biodiversity Program)."}, {"description": "The dorsum is tan with darker blotches and a light patch just below the eye. A light middorsal stripe is usually present and a pale cross is formed on the top of the head between the eyes. The parotid glands are distinct, but are not elevated as in A. gutturalis. Black tipped warts cover the dorsum and the parotid glands. A row of white tubercles is present on the forearm. Toes are webbed only slightly at the base. The ventral surface is granular and light with some gray mottling (Text from Harper et al., 2010)."}, {"description": "Poynton and Broadley (1988) found A. maculatus to be very widespread in Africa: found in West Africa, East Africa and southern Africa. Although the species is generally distributed through the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa (Text from Minter et al., 2004, \u00a9 SI/MAB Biodiversity Program)."}, {"description": "A. maculatus inhabits various vegetation types within the Savanna and Grassland biomes, as well as on the Zululand coastal plain (Lambiris 1989a). Although this species is usually associated with riverine habitats in the Ivory Coast it occurs in both forest and savanna habitats (Text from Minter et al., 2004, \u00a9 SI/MAB Biodiversity Program). A. maculatus is a widespread species associated with lowland rivers, forest edges and humid savanna at elevations up to 1700 m. It tolerates degraded habitat including agricultural fields (Harper et al., 2010)."}, {"description": "Tadpoles reach metamorphosis within six weeks in captivity and in as little as two weeks in the wild (Text from Minter et al., 2004, \u00a9 SI/MAB Biodiversity Program)."}, {"description": "A. maculatus and A. gutturalus are similar in build and dorsal markings, but A. maculatus does not have the distinctly raised parotid glands seen in A. gutturalis, and also lacks the reddish markings on the thigh. A. maculatus is also smaller than A. gutturalis, with females reaching 80 mm rather than 120 mm (Text from Harper et al., 2010)."}, {"description": "A. maculatus call is easily identified. Individuals call at different pitches so that alternate calls are readily distinguishable (Text from Minter et al., 2004, \u00a9 SI/MAB Biodiversity Program). The call is a rapid trill half a second in duration (Text from Harper et al., 2010)."}, {"description": "Males are up to 64 mm and females up to 80 mm in snout-vent length (Harper et al., 2010)."}, {"description": "In Burkino Faso and Nigeria, A. maculatus is one of many amphibian species that are traded or consumed as a source of protein. Because villagers are employed to catch and prepare the toads, and because they are an \"important international trading item\" frogs and toads are an integral part of the economy in areas with large frog populations. (Mohneke, 2010) In order to be harvested, then traded, they are first \"beheaded, skinned, [and] disembowelled\", commonly done by the women in the villages. They are then \"washed and cut into pieces before being dried.\" (Mohneke, 2009) Aside from their value as an essential food source, they may also be used for cultural reasons and as traditional medicine in areas where Western medicine is not available. (Mohneke, 2010)"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Helodermatidae", "nubKey": 2460820, "speciesKey": 113421680, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113421678": "Heloderma", "113421676": "Helodermatidae", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Heloderma horridum", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Beaded lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113421676, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Heloderma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "2329940", "genusKey": 113421678, "canonicalName": "Heloderma horridum", "key": 113421680, "authorship": " (Wiegmann, 1829)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Heloderma horridum (Wiegmann, 1829)", "genus": "Heloderma", "parentKey": 113421678, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The beaded lizard has one close living relative, the Gila monster (H. suspectum), as well as many extinct relatives in the Helodermatidae, whose genetic history may be traced back to the Cretaceous period. The genus Heloderma has existed since the Miocene, when H. texana ranged over most of North America. Because the helodermatids have remained relatively unchanged morphologically, they are occasionally regarded as living fossils. Although the beaded lizard appears closely related to the monitor lizards (varanids) of Africa, Asia and Australia, the wide geographical separation and unique features not found in the varanids indicates that the beaded lizard is better placed in a separate family.The species was first described in 1829 by Arend Wiegmann as Trachyderma horridum, however, he renamed it Heloderma horridum six months later. Its generic name Heloderma means \"studded skin\", from the Ancient Greek words h\u00ealos (\u1f27\u03bb\u03bf\u03c2)\u2014the head of a nail or stud\u2014and d\u00e9rma (\u03b4\u03ad\u03c1\u03bc\u03b1), meaning skin. Its specific name, horr\u012ddum, is the Latin word meaning rough or rude.There are four subspecies of beaded lizard, elevated to full species in 2013:http://www.redlist-arc.org/Article-PDFs/Special%20Mexico%20Issue_ARC_7(1)_74-96_low_res.pdf Reiserer & al., 2013, Taxonomic reassessment and conservation status of the beaded lizard, Heloderma horridum (Squamata: Helodermatidae) Mexican beaded lizard (H. horridum) (Wiegmann, 1829) Chiapan beaded lizard (H. alvarezi) Bogert and Martin del Campo, 1956 Rio Fuerte beaded lizard (H. exasperatum) Bogert and Martin del Campo, 1956 Guatemalan beaded lizard (H. charlesbogerti) Campbell and Vannini, 1988"}, {"description": "The beaded lizard is found in the Pacific drainages from southern Sonora to south-western Guatemala and two Atlantic drainages, from central Chiapas to south-eastern Guatemala. Their habitats are primarily tropical deciduous forests and thorn scrub forests, but are found in pine-oak forests, with elevations from sea level to 1500 metres. In the wild, the lizards are only active from April to mid-November, spending about an hour per day above the ground.The nominate subspecies H. h. horridum is found in Mexico, from Sonora to Oaxaca. The Rio Fuerte beaded lizard (H. h. exasperatum) is found from southern Sonora to northern Sinaloa. The black beaded lizard (H. h. alvarezi) is found in the northern Chiapas and the depression of the R\u00edo Lagartero in Huehuetenango to north-western Guatemala. The ranges of these three subspecies overlap, making them sympatric. The Motagua Valley subspecies (H. h. charlesbogerti) is the only allopatric one, separated from the nearest population (H. h. alvarezi) by 250 kilometres of unsuitable habitat. The Motagua Valley beaded lizard is the most endangered of the subspecies if not of all lizards; it is found only in the dry valley of the R\u00edo Motagua in north-eastern Guatemala; less than two hundred are believed to exist in the wild."}, {"description": "Diet The beaded lizard is a specialized vertebrate nest predator, feeding primarily on bird and reptile eggs. A semiarboreal species, it is found climbing deciduous trees in search of prey when encountered above ground. It will occasionally prey upon small birds, mammals, frogs, lizards, and insects. Steve Angeli and Robert Applegate, noted captive breeders of the beaded lizard, have remarked that captive specimens, do best on a diet of small vertebrates primarily Mice and Rats. Problem Feeders or confiscated wild caught specimens can be made to feed by using egg on the prey item. VenomThe venom glands of the beaded lizard are modified salivary glands located in the reptile's lower jaw. Each gland has a separate duct leading to the base of its grooved teeth. When biting, the beaded lizard hangs on its victim and chews to get its venomous saliva into the wound. Although its jaw grip is strong, its unsocketed teeth are easily broken off at their bases. The beaded lizard's venom is a weak hemotoxin, and although human deaths are rare, it can cause respiratory failure. It consists of a number of components, including L-amino acid oxidase, hyaluronidase, phospholipase A, serotonin, and highly active kallikreins that release vasoactive kinins. The venom contains no enzymes that significantly affect coagulation. Almost all documented human bites (eight in the past century) have resulted from prodding captive lizards with a finger or bare foot.While invertebrates are essentially immune to the effects of this venom, effects on vertebrates are more severe and varied. In mammals such as rats, major effects include a rapid reduction in carotid blood flow followed by a marked fall in blood pressure, respiratory irregularities, tachycardia, and other cardiac anomalies, as well as hypothermia, edema, and internal hemorrhage in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, eyes, liver, and kidneys. In humans, the effects of bites are associated with excruciating pain that may extend well beyond the area bitten and persist up to twenty-four hours. Other common effects of bites on humans include local edema (swelling), weakness, sweating, and a rapid fall in blood pressure. Beaded lizards are immune to the effects of their own venom.The compounds in its saliva which have been studied have pharmacological properties relating to diabetes, Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and even HIV. This hormone was named exendin-3 and is marketed by Amylin Pharmaceuticals as the drug exenatide. One study reported in 1996 revealed that it binds to cell receptors from breast cancer cells and may stop the growth of lung cancer cells. ReproductionThe beaded lizard becomes sexually mature at six to eight years and mates between September and October. Males engage in ritual combat that often lasts several hours; the victor mates with the female. The female lays her clutch of two to 30\u00a0eggs between October and December, the clutch hatching the following June or July.Young lizards are seldom seen. They are believed to spend much of their early lives underground, emerging at two to three years of age after gaining considerable size."}, {"description": "Adult beaded lizards range from twenty-four to thirty-six inches (sixty-one to ninety-one centimetres) in length. It is substantially larger than the Gila monster, which only reaches lengths of twelve to sixteen inches (thirty to forty-one centimetres). Although males are slightly larger than females, the lizards are not sexually dimorphic. Both males and females are stocky with broad heads, although the males tend to be broader. The beaded lizard's scales are small, beadlike, and not overlapping. Except for the lizard's underside, the majority of its scales are underlaid with bony osteoderms.Their base color is black and marked with varying amounts of yellow spots or bands, with the exception of H. h. alvarezi, which tends to be all black in color. The beaded lizard has a short tail which is used to store fat so it can survive during months of estivation. Unlike many other lizards, this tail does not autotomize and can not grow back if broken. The beaded lizard has a forked, black tongue which it uses to smell, with the help of a Jacobson's organ; it sticks its tongue out to gather scents and touches it to the opening of the organ when the tongue is retracted.Cogger (1992) p. 156"}, {"description": "The beaded lizard is surrounded by myth and superstition in much of its native range. It is incorrectly believed, for example, that the lizard is more venomous than a rattlesnake, that it can cause lightning strikes with its tail, or make a pregnant woman miscarry by merely looking at it. As a result of this superstition, locals often kill the lizard on sight.The seldom-seen lizard is poached for resale through the illegal exotic beast trade. It does not reproduce well in captivity, and its scarcity means a high price for collectors. As a direct result, the beaded lizard is protected by Mexican law under the category A (Threatened), and it dwells within the range of several protected areas. In Guatemala, it is protected by national legislation, and part of its range is within protected areas. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES.Fewer than 200 lizards remain in the dry forest habitat of the Motagua Valley, and this subspecies of beaded lizard (H. h. charlesbogerti) was facing extinction due to local extermination and loss of habitat for agricultural purposes. A conservation effort has been launched known as Project Heloderma to preserve the semiarid habitat of the Motagua Valley by the Nature Conservancy and partners such as ZOOTROPIC, CONAP, the International Reptile Conservation Foundation, Lincoln Park Zoo, Zoo Atlanta, and the San Diego Zoo. This effort has been successful in getting the Guatemalan government to list the beaded lizard under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as an Appendix I animal, making it illegal to export the species."}, {"description": "The beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) is a species of venomous lizard found principally in Mexico and southern Guatemala. It and its congener the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), are the only lizards known to have evolved an overt venom delivery system. The beaded lizard is larger than the Gila monster but has duller coloration, black with yellowish bands of differing width depending on the subspecies. As it is a specialized predator that feeds primarily upon eggs, the primary use of its venom is still a source of debate among scientists. However, this venom has been found to contain several enzymes useful for manufacting drugs in the treatment of diabetes, and research on the pharmacological use of its venom is on-going.Threatened throughout its range by overcollection and habitat loss, it is a CITES protected species. The Motagua Valley subspecies (H. h. charlesborgeti) is one of the rarest lizards in the world, with a wild population of fewer than two hundred."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Anguidae", "nubKey": 2468299, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2468299, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2468204": "Gerrhonotus", "9198": "Anguidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Gerrhonotus infernalis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Texas alligator lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Texas Alligator Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9198, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Gerrhonotus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119590732", "genusKey": 2468204, "canonicalName": "Gerrhonotus infernalis", "key": 2468299, "authorship": "Baird, 1859", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Gerrhonotus infernalis Baird, 1859", "genus": "Gerrhonotus", "parentKey": 2468204, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Texas alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus infernalis) is a species of alligator lizard in the subfamily Gerrhonotinae found in the central region of the American state of Texas, and south into Mexico."}, {"description": "Texas alligator lizards are relatively slow, diurnal lizards, with quite good vision. Though not generally aggressive, they may bite if handled, and are incorrectly considered to be venomous by many cultures."}, {"description": "The Texas alligator lizard is a medium-sized lizard, attaining a maximum total length (including tail) around 24 to. It is the largest lizard species in Texas, and one of the largest alligator lizards in the world. These lizards have flat, wedge-shaped heads. They are generally a yellow-brown color, often with darker brown and white checker patterning on their dorsal surfaces, and uniformly light-colored, white, or grey on their ventral surfaces. Their scales are very stiff and plate-like. They have short limbs, and a tail that can fall off to distract a potential predator, but will regrow in time."}, {"description": "Their primary diet is insects and other invertebrates, but they may sometimes prey on nestling birds or rodents."}, {"description": "They are often found on rocky hillsides, where they hide among the stones or in limestone crevices."}, {"description": "Breeding occurs year round; sometimes, multiple clutches of eggs are laid per year. Females will often stay near the nesting site to protect it, but no parental care occurs once the young alligator lizards hatch. The young generally have more striking markings, and are only about 3 \u2013 long (including tail)."}, {"description": "MXE-CU"}, {"description": "MXE-DU"}, {"description": "MXE-NL"}, {"description": "MXE-SL"}, {"description": "MXE-TA"}, {"description": "MXE-ZA"}, {"description": "TEX-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Tropiduridae", "nubKey": 2460439, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2460439, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "2460665": "Liolaemus", "9116": "Tropiduridae", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Liolaemus chiliensis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Chilean Tree Iguana"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Peak Tree Iguana"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9116, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Liolaemus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119586542", "genusKey": 2460665, "canonicalName": "Liolaemus chiliensis", "key": 2460439, "authorship": "Lesson, 1830", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Liolaemus chiliensis Lesson, 1830", "genus": "Liolaemus", "parentKey": 2460665, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Chilean tree iguana, Liolaemus chiliensis, is a species of lizard in the Iguanidae family. It is endemic to Chile and southwestern Neuquen Province, Argentina. It occurs in open forests and ecotonal scrublands or scrub-steppes, chiefly in the Chilean Matorral ecoregion.C. Michael Hogan & World Wildlife Fund. 2013. Chilean matorral. ed. M.McGinley. Encyclopedia of Earth. National Council for Science and the Environment. Washington DC"}, {"description": "The Chilean tree iguana is a relatively large-sized lizard, reaching 25 cm (9.8 in) in total length. It is an oviparous species, and feeds mainly of insects and other invertebrates.http://www.atlasherpetozoos.cl/Reptiles/LChiliensis.htmlThis species is sometimes kept as a pet, although such a practise violates conservation biology principles, since this species has such a limited range, and is thus vulnerable to habitat disruption and population declines."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Boidae", "nubKey": 4820533, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2465369, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2454645": "Python", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2465369": "Python molurus", "358": "Reptilia", "715": "Squamata", "2464897": "Boidae"}, "taxonomicStatus": "SYNONYM", "extinct": false, "species": "Python molurus", "accepted": "Python molurus bivittatus Kuhl, 1820", "acceptedKey": 6162891, "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Burmese python"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Burmese Python"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Dunkler Tigerpython"}, {"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Tigerpython"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Burmese Python"}, {"language": "ita", "vernacularName": "Pitone birmano"}, {"language": "nor", "vernacularName": "Tigerpyton"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 2464897, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Python molurus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119616511", "genusKey": 2454645, "canonicalName": "Python bivittatus", "key": 4820533, "authorship": "Kuhl, 1820", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": true, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Python bivittatus Kuhl, 1820", "genus": "Python", "parentKey": 2465369, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "BAN-OO"}, {"description": "CBD-OO"}, {"description": "CHC-YN"}, {"description": "CHS-GD"}, {"description": "CHS-GX"}, {"description": "EHM-AP"}, {"description": "LAO-OO"}, {"description": "MYA-OO"}, {"description": "NEP-OO"}, {"description": "THA-OO"}, {"description": "VIE-OO"}, {"description": "The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is one of the five largest snakes in the world, native to a large variation of tropic and subtropic areas of Southern- and Southeast Asia. Until 2009 they were considered a subspecies of Python molurus, but now are recognized as belonging to a distinct species. They are often found near water and are sometimes semi-aquatic, but can also be found in trees. Wild individuals average 3.7 m long,M. A. Smith: Reptilia and Amphibia, Vol. III, Serpentes. In: The Fauna of British India, Ceylon and Burma, including the whole of the Indo-Chinese Sub-Region. Taylor and Francis, Ltd., London 1943, p 102-109S. M. Campden-Main: A field guide to the snakes of South Vietnam. City of Washington 1970, p 8-9. but have been known to reach 5.74 m.D. G. Barker, S. L. Barten, J. P. Ehrsam, L. Daddono: The Corrected Lengths of Two Well-known Giant Pythons and the Establishment of a New Maximum Length Record for Burmese Pythons, Python bivittatus. Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society 47(1): 1-6, 2012, pdf."}, {"description": "Burmese pythons are mainly nocturnal rainforest dwellers. When young, they are equally at home on the ground and in trees, but as they gain girth they tend to restrict most of their movements to the ground. They are also excellent swimmers, being able to stay submerged for up to half an hour. Burmese pythons spend the majority of their time hidden in the underbrush. In the northern parts of its range, the Indian python may brumate for some months during the cold season in a hollow tree, a hole in the riverbank or under rocks. BrumationGlossary of commonly used terms is biologically distinct from hibernation. While the behaviour has similar benefits, specifically to endure the winter without moving, it also involves preparation of both male and female reproductive organs for the upcoming breeding season. There is controversy over whether the Burmese species is able to brumate.Burmese pythons breed in the early spring, with females laying clutches which average 12\u201336 eggs in March or April. She will remain with the eggs until they hatch, wrapping around them and twitching her muscles in such a way as to raise the ambient temperature around the eggs by several degrees. Once the hatchlings use their egg tooth to cut their way out of their eggs, there is no further maternal care. The newly hatched will often remain inside their egg until they are ready to complete their first shedding of skin, after which they hunt for their first meal."}, {"description": "Burmese pythons are often sold as pets, and are made popular by their attractive colour and apparently easy-going nature. However, these animals have a rapid growth rate, and will often exceed 2.1 m in length in a year if cared for and fed properly. By age 4, they will have reached their adult size, though they continue growing very slowly throughout their lives, which may exceed 20 years.Although this species has a reputation for docility, they are very powerful animals, capable of inflicting severe bites or even killing a keeper by constriction.Thirteen Foot Burmese Python Kills Owner They also consume large amounts of food, and due to their size, require large, often custom-built, secure enclosures, which can be very expensive. As a result some are released to the wild by irresponsible pet owners. For this reason, some jurisdictions (including Florida) have placed restrictions on the keeping of Burmese pythons as pets. Violators would be imprisoned for more than 7 years or fined $500,000 if convicted.A secondary problem with feeding Burmese pythons is that many owners believe if a snake acts hungry, that it should be fed. As Burmese pythons are opportunistic feeders, they will eat almost any time food is offered, and often act hungry even when they have recently eaten. This often leads to overfeeding, and obesity-related problems are common in captive Burmese pythons. HandlingAlthough pythons are typically afraid of people due to their high stature, and will generally avoid humans, special care is still required when handling them. A three-metre long Burmese python is capable of killing a childPet python kills Florida toddler and a five-metre long (around 16.5 feet) Burmese python is capable of overpowering and killing a fully grown adult. Variations The Burmese python is frequently captive-bred for colour, pattern, and more recently size. Its albino form is especially popular and is the most widely available morph. They are white with patterns in butterscotch yellow and burnt orange. There are also \"labyrinth\" specimens, which have mazelike patterns; khaki-coloured \"green\"; and \"granite\", which have many small angular spots. Breeders have recently begun working with an island lineage of Burmese pythons. Early reports indicate that these \"dwarf\" Burmese have slightly different colouring and pattern from their mainland relatives and do not grow much over 2.1 m in length. One of the most sought-after of these variations is the leucistic Burmese. This particular variety is very rare, being entirely bright white with no pattern and blue eyes, and has only recently (2008/2009) been reproduced in captivity as the homozygous form (referred to as \"super\" by reptile keepers) of the codominant hypomelanistic trait. The caramel Burmese python has caramel-coloured pattern with \"milk-chocolate\" eyes."}, {"description": "Wild populations are considered to be \"threatened\" and are listed on Appendix II of CITES. All the giant pythons (including the Indian python, the African rock python, and the reticulated python) have historically been slaughtered to supply the world leather market, as well as for folk medicines, and captured for the pet trade. Some are also killed for food, particularly in China.IUCN has recently listed the Burmese python as \"Vulnerable\", reflecting its overall population decline. Important reasons for the decline are trade for skins and for food; habitat degradation may be a problem in some upland areas.In Hong Kong, it is a protected species under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance Cap 170."}, {"description": "Burmese pythons are dark-colored snakes with many brown blotches bordered in black down the back. The perceived attractiveness of their skin pattern contributes to their popularity with both reptile keepers and the leather industry. The pattern is similar in colour, but different in actual pattern from the African rock python (Python sebae), sometimes resulting in confusion of the two species outside of their natural habitats. The African rock python can generally be distinguished by its tighter pattern of markings, compared to the Burmese python, which has bolder patterns, similar to those seen on a giraffe.Comparing Wild Florida Burmese & African Rock Pythons - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MosOA408Ye8In the wild, Burmese pythons grow to 3.7 m on average, while specimens of more than 4 m are uncommon.H. Saint Girons: Les serpents du Cambodge. M\u00e9moires du Mus\u00e9um national d'Histoire naturelle, S\u00e9rie A 1972, p. 40-41.J. Deuve: Serpents du Laos. M\u00e9moire O.R.S.T.O.M. Nr. 39, Paris 1970, p. 61-62, 65-66. In general, individuals over 5 metres are rare. The record maximum length for Burmese Pythons is held by a female named \u201cBaby\u201d, that lived at Serpent Safari, Gurnee, Illinois, for 27 years. Shortly after death, her actual length was determined to be 5.74 m. Widely published data of specimens that were reported to have been even several feet longer are not verified. There are dwarf forms on Java, Bali and Sulawesi. On Bali they reach an average length of 2 m,J. L. McKay: A field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Bali. Krieger Publishing Company 2006, ISBN 1-57524-190-0, p. 13, 14, 18, 86. and on Sulawesi they achieve a maximum of 2.5 m.R. de Lang, G. Vogel: The snakes of Sulawesi: A field guide to the land snakes of Sulawesi with identification keys. Frankfurt Contributions to Natural History Band 25, Edition Chimaira 2005, ISBN 3-930612-85-2, S. 23-27, 198-201."}, {"description": "Like all snakes, Burmese pythons are carnivorous. Their diet consists primarily of appropriately sized birds and mammals. The snake uses its sharp rearward-pointing teeth to seize its prey, then wraps its body around the prey, at the same time contracting its muscles, killing the prey by constriction. They are often found near human habitation due to the presence of rats, mice and other vermin as a food source. However, their equal affinity for domesticated birds and mammals means that they are often treated as pests. In captivity their diet consists primarily of commercially available, appropriately sized rats, graduating to larger prey such as rabbits and poultry as they grow. Exceptionally large pythons may even require larger food items such as pigs or goats, and are known to have attacked and eaten alligators and adult deer in Florida, where they are an invasive species.National Geographic: Python Bursts After Eating Gator DigestionThe digestive response of Burmese pythons to such large prey has made them a model species for digestive physiology. A fasting python will have a reduced stomach volume and acidity, reduced intestinal mass and a 'normal' heart volume. After ingesting prey, the entire digestive system undergoes a massive remodelling, with rapid hypertrophy of the intestines, production of stomach acid, and a 40% increase in mass of the ventricles of the heart in order to fuel the digestive process."}, {"description": "Burmese pythons are found throughout Southern- and Southeast Asia, including Eastern India, Nepal, western Bhutan, southeastern Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, northern continental Malaysia, far southern China (Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi and Yunnan),The authors describe the presence of this specimen in Sichuan as an anomalous occurrence, and do not include the province in the python's range Hong Kong, and in Indonesia on Java, southern Sulawesi, Bali and Sumbawa. Burmese Pythons are also reported from Kinmen, very close to the Chinese mainland but in Taiwanese territory; Burmese Python belongs to the fauna of Taiwan when Taiwan refers to the Republic of China, but not to the island of Taiwan.This python is an excellent swimmer and needs a permanent source of water. It can be found in grasslands, marshes, swamps, rocky foothills, woodlands, river valleys, and jungles with open clearings. They are good climbers and have prehensile tails. Invasive species Python invasion has been particularly extensive in South Florida, where a large number of pythons have made their way to the Everglades. It has been suggested that the current number of Burmese pythons in the Florida everglades has reached a minimum viable population and become an invasive species. More than 1,330 (US National Park Service website - December 31, 2009http://www.nps.gov/ever/naturescience/burmesepython.htm) have been captured in the Everglades.A paper published by the proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggested that bird and coyote populations are threatened, as well as already-rare rival predatory species, such as Florida panthers.Florida's Hurricane Andrew was deemed responsible for the destruction of a python breeding facility as well as with possible zoo, warehouse, and household escapees.By 2007, the Burmese python was already established in Northern Florida, in the coastal areas of the Florida Panhandle (see map). In February 2008, USGS scientists published a projected range map for the US, based on average climate data of the snake's home range and global warming projections, which predicted that by the end of the 21st century these snakes could migrate to and flourish in as much as a third of the continental United States, including all three coasts.U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (2008-02-20). USGS Maps Show Potential Non-Native Python Habitat Along Three U.S. Coasts. www.usgs.gov, last accessed 2008-03-11. However, a subsequent study produced a map incorporating both climatic extremes and averages which projected that the Burmese python's range as limited to Southern Florida.Pyron RA, Burbrink FT, Guiher TJ (2008) Claims of Potential Expansion throughout the U.S. by Invasive Python Species Are Contradicted by Ecological Niche Models. PLoS ONE 3(8): e2931. Also, this projection was criticized in an unsigned Axcess News article as not having been peer-reviewed., Axcess News (2012-03-12). U.S. Fish and Wildlife turn blind eye to science, fact. www.axcessnews.com, last accessed 2012-03-12. Burmese pythons kept throughout winter in an experimental enclosure in South Carolina all died during the study, apparently because they could not properly acclimate to the cold, but most survived extended periods at temperatures below those typical of southern Florida.Recently published in Integrative Zoology the study \u2018Environmental, physiology and behavior limit the range expansion of invasive Burmese pythons in southeastern USA\u2019 (Jacobson et al. 2012) contradicts the initial USGS study (Reed Rodda 2008) which claimed that non-native Burmese Pythons could expand as far north as the southern one third of the United States. Jacobson et al. (2012) along with three other cold climate studies, (Avery et al. 2010; Dorcas et al. 2011; Mazzotti et al. 2011) provide a combined claim that the Burmese Python will remain in the Everglades. Furthermore, other reputable herpetologists have commented on the controversial theory positing future migration past the Florida Everglades:The National Geographic Society's Resident Herpetologist, Dr. Brady Barr, said \"Climate data reveal that temperatures found in southern Florida simply are not conducive to the long term survival of large tropical snakes. When it gets cold, these snakes die.\" Dr. Barr also said \"Feral Hogs are a bigger problem for the Everglades than pythons. The press has sensationalized this story to the point that people think the sky is falling. Hopefully comprehensive research such as Jacobson et al. will put an end to the hysteria.\"http://usark.org/featured/new-python-cold-study"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Iguanidae", "nubKey": 2459612, "speciesKey": 113293108, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113293102": "Ctenosaura", "113293101": "Iguanidae", "113289928": "Squamata", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Ctenosaura pectinata", "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113293101, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Ctenosaura", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "4983464", "genusKey": 113293102, "canonicalName": "Ctenosaura pectinata", "key": 113293108, "authorship": " (Wiegmann, 1834)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Ctenosaura pectinata (Wiegmann, 1834)", "genus": "Ctenosaura", "parentKey": 113293102, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Ctenosaura pectinata is used as a traditional food source in its native Mexico. Although not listed on the IUCN Redlist, the species is listed on the Mexican Red List NOM-059-2001 as threatened and it is currently illegal to hunt them in Mexico. This protection does not apply to areas in North America where they have been introduced, however. Although hunting, trapping, and killing of these iguanas is illegal throughout Mexico; the Balsas depression along the borders of the states Michoac\u00e1n and Guerrero is one of the largest illegal hunting and trading areas. The remoteness of the areas and lack of enforcement of the laws is seen as the main reason. A study is being conducted by the Instituto de Biologia, UNAM, to solve the over-exploitation problem and to determine if the iguanas can be successfully farmed as a food source similar to the Green Iguana and the closely related Ctenosaura similis."}, {"description": "The Mexican Spinytail Iguana was first described by German zoologist Arend Friedrich August Wiegmann in 1834. The generic name, Ctenosaura, is derived from two Greek words: ctenos (\u039a\u03c4\u03b5\u03bd\u03cc\u03c2), meaning \"comb\" (referring to the comblike spines on the lizard's back and tail), and saura (\u03c3\u03b1\u03cd\u03c1\u03b1), meaning \"lizard\". Its specific name is the Latin word pectinata meaning \"combed\", also referring to the comblike spines on the lizard's back. The genus it belongs to represents the most diverse group of iguanas with 15 currently recognized species. These species inhabit lowland (below 1200m elevation) dry forests on both coasts of Mexico and Central America. All species of Ctenosaura fall within one of seven clades. Distributions of these clades fall geographically within well established areas. Closely related species show allopatry whereas species from divergent clades show sympatry. Phylogenic study shows this species to be most closely related to C. acanthura, the Northeastern spinytail iguana.De Queiroz, Kevin. (1987): Phylogenetic systematics of iguanine lizards: a comparative osteological study. University of California Publishing, 118:1-203. Additional mitochondrial DNA research is being performed to determine whether additional subspecies may exist. Because of the different human cultures throughout this species distribution, the clades are being evaluated for their impact from humans. For example, these iguanas are not eaten in their northern ranges by humans as they are in the southern ranges, but the hatchlings in the southern ranges have a better survival rate due to better environmental conditions."}, {"description": "Mating occurs in the spring. Males show dominance and interest by head bobbing, eventually chasing the female until he can catch her and subdue her. Within eight to ten weeks, the female will dig a nest and lay clutches of up to 50 eggs in a burrow of loose soil. These eggs hatch in 90 days with the bright green babies digging their way out of the sand."}, {"description": "In Mexico it is found from central Sinaloa to southern Chiapas. It has also been introduced to the United States in the very southern tip of the state of Texas and in the state of Florida."}, {"description": "The Mexican Spinytail Iguana is native to Western Mexico from Sinaloa to Oaxaca.This iguana has been introduced to Brownsville, Texas and South Florida and reproduces in the wild in several feral populations. On the south-eastern Florida coast, these iguanas have been found on Key Biscayne, Hialeah, and in Broward County. On the south-western Florida coast, it has been reported on Gasparilla Island. It is currently estimated as of December 2007 that there are 12,000 iguanas on this island, descended from a trio of pet lizards released by a resident in the 1970s.They are regarded as a \"nuisance animal\" on Gasparilla island because the iguanas eat ornamental flowers and shrubs and prey on nesting birds and sea turtle eggs. They have been known to chew through electrical and telephone cables. They may also carry salmonella and their prehistoric appearance has been known to scare residents. As the iguanas like to burrow in the sand it is feared that their tunnels could cause dunes and even seawalls to collapse and deprive the island of crucial protection from landfalling hurricanes."}, {"description": "Mexican Spinytail Iguanas have distinctive keeled scales on their long tails, which gives them their common name. They are one of the larger members of the genus Ctenosaura, capable of growing to 140 cm (4.6 feet) in length, with females being slightly smaller than males at 100 cm, and are typically brown or grey-brown in coloration with a yellowish ventral surface. They have a crest of long spines which extend down the center of their back. Hatchlings are often a bright green color with no pattern and darken as they age."}, {"description": "The Mexican Spiny-tailed iguana is a social lizard, which has adapted to living in groups as opposed to other species of Ctenosaura which tend to be solitary animals. These iguanas are excellent climbers, and prefer a rocky habitat with plenty of crevices to hide in, rocks to bask on, and nearby trees to climb. They are diurnal and fast moving, employing their speed to escape predators but will lash with their tails and bite if cornered. They are often found dwelling near or in towns in their native Mexico and where they have been introduced elsewhere.They are primarily herbivorous, eating a variety of flowers, leaves, stems, and fruit, but they will opportunistically eat small animals, eggs, and arthropods."}, {"description": "Ctenosaura pectinata, commonly known as the Mexican spiny-tailed iguana or the Mexican spinytail iguana, is a moderate-sized lizard endemic to western Mexico."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Anniellidae", "nubKey": 2471882, "speciesKey": 113416458, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113416455": "Anniella", "113415521": "Squamata", "113416453": "Anniellidae", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Anniella pulchra", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "California Legless Lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113416453, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Anniella", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "24421840", "genusKey": 113416455, "canonicalName": "Anniella pulchra", "key": 113416458, "authorship": " (John Edward Gray, 1852)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Anniella pulchra (John Edward Gray, 1852)", "genus": "Anniella", "parentKey": 113416455, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "There were formerly two subspecies of California Legless Lizard recognized based on individual color morphs: the Silvery Legless Lizard, A. p. pulchra, and the Black Legless Lizard, A. p. nigra. However, contemporary taxonomy considers them simply a melanistic morph.CaliforniaHerps.com on the former A. p. nigra \"subspecies\" More recently, A. pulchra has been split up into 5 different species: A. pulchra, A. alexanderae, A. campi, A. grinnelli, and A. stebbinsi.Theodore J. Papenfuss and James F. Parham (2013) Four New Species of California Legless Lizards (Anniella). Breviora Sep 2013: 1-17Anniella in the Reptile Database"}, {"description": "Males are slightly smaller than females, otherwise there is no discernible difference between the two sexes. Females are ovoviviparous and probably breed between early spring and July, with 1 to 4 young born September-November. Young lizards resemble their parents except look like smaller versions of them."}, {"description": "They live in loose, sandy soils or leaf litter, typically in sand dunes along the coast. They are found from Contra Costa County in northern California, all the way south to Baja California, although occurrences are often scattered. They require moisture to aid in shedding their skin. Without it, their vision and feeding can be affected, potentially starving the animal.Animal Diversity Web: Anniella pulchra"}, {"description": "These lizards are around 7 in long from snout to vent (not including tail). They have small, smooth scales typically colored silvery above and yellow below, although black or dark brown forms exist in Monterey County, California which were thought to be a separate subspecies at one point.CaliforniaHerps.com on Anniella pulchra"}, {"description": "The California Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra) is a limbless, burrowing lizard often mistaken for a snake."}, {"description": "Their diet consists of mainly beetles, larval insects, termites, ants, and spiders."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gerrhosauridae", "nubKey": 6158981, "speciesKey": 104079252, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 104072682, "higherClassificationMap": {"103882489": "Chordata", "104072682": "Squamata", "103832354": "Metazoa", "104079227": "Gerrhosaurus", "104079185": "Gerrhosauridae"}, "species": "Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "black-lined plated lizard"}], "habitats": [], "familyKey": 104079185, "kingdom": "Metazoa", "parent": "Gerrhosaurus", "kingdomKey": 103832354, "taxonID": "143504", "genusKey": 104079227, "canonicalName": "Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus", "key": 104079252, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 103882489, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "fab88965-e69d-4491-a04d-e3198b626e52", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus", "genus": "Gerrhosaurus", "parentKey": 104079227, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Viperidae", "nubKey": 6157361, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2444638, "rank": "SUBSPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "5024": "Viperidae", "1": "Animalia", "2444622": "Agkistrodon", "2444638": "Agkistrodon contortrix", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Agkistrodon contortrix", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "broad-banded copperhead"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Broad-banded Copperhead"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Broad-banded Copperhead"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5024, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Agkistrodon contortrix", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119591190", "genusKey": 2444622, "canonicalName": "Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus", "key": 6157361, "authorship": "Gloyd & Conant, 1934", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus Gloyd & Conant, 1934", "genus": "Agkistrodon", "parentKey": 2444638, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Common names: Broad-banded Copperhead, Texas copperhead,Wright AH, Wright AA. 1957. Handbook of Snakes. Comstock Publishing Associates. (7th printing, 1985). 1105 pp. ISBN 0-8014-0463-0. more. Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus is a venomous pitviper subspecies found in the southern United States, from Kansas, through Oklahoma and throughout central Texas."}, {"description": "Secretive and nocturnal, it prefers lightly wooded habitats, typically with a good amount of ground debris for cover, not far from a permanent water source. It typically avoids regions with a significant population of humans. It is an ambush predator, eating rodents, birds, lizards, anurans, frogs, and certain insects, with juveniles in particular having a taste for various kinds of insects, such as cicadas. Wide foraging of caterpillars has also been documented in the field. Salmon, G. T., H. W. Greene, and T. Dimler. \"Biology of the Pitvipers 2.\" Biology of the Pitvipers 2. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA, 4-7 June 2014. Web. 19 July 2014. They are ovoviviparous, giving birth to a litter of up to eight young in the early fall."}, {"description": "Common names for this species include: Broad-banded copperhead, copperhead moccasin, copperhead snake, dry-land moccasin, highland moccasin, moccasin, rattlesnake pilot, red eye, Texas copperhead, and thunder snake."}, {"description": "This form is typically a light tan in color, with darker brown, wide crossbands - which gives it its common name. The actual color varies, by locality, from a red-brown, to a gray-brown. In the western reaches of its range, the species can be difficult to distinguish from the trans-Pecos copperhead, A. c. pictigaster. The only notable physical difference between the subspecies is the A. c. pictigaster tends to have an elaborately patterned underside, often being an irregular, white and black pattern, whereas A. c. laticinctus tends to be plain white, only have minimal patterning, or have elongated random blotching instead of a distinct pattern. The subspecies intergrade where their ranges overlap, further confusing identification. It also overlaps with the southern copperhead, A. c. contortrix in the eastern reaches of its range, making specimens there difficult to distinguish, but generally A. c. contortrix has banding that narrows at the spine, creating hourglass shapes, whereas A. c. laticinctus has bands that do not narrow at the spine. They grow to approximately 20-36\u00a0inches (50\u201390\u00a0cm) in length. As juveniles, all species of Agkistrodon have a bright green-yellow color to their tail tips, believed to be used as a lure to attract prey items to approach within striking range. The color fades to a grey or brown at about a year of age."}, {"description": "Agkistrodon contortix laticinctus is known to populate the region between 97 degrees and 99 degrees west longitude, from Central Texas north to the southern border of Kansas and Oklahoma. Wright AH, Wright AA. 1957. Handbook of Snakes. Comstock Publishing Associates. (7th printing, 1985). 1105 pp. ISBN 0-8014-0463-0."}, {"description": "Like most pit viper species, A. contortrix has a hemotoxic venom, which is delivered through hinged, hollow fangs set in the front of their jaws. The fangs work like hypodermic needles, injecting the venom in a single, quick striking motion. Copperhead venom is not considered to be life-threatening to an otherwise healthy adult, but it can cause localized swelling, necrosis, and severe pain. Any bite from a venomous snake should be considered serious and medical treatment sought. There is no antivenin specifically manufactured for copperheads. However, CroFab, which makes use of the venom from the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), can be used in cases of a severe envenomation."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Lacertidae", "nubKey": 2469646, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "rank": "GENUS", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"1": "Animalia", "5201": "Lacertidae", "44": "Chordata", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5201, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Lacertidae", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "121017782", "genusKey": 2469646, "canonicalName": "Holaspis", "key": 2469646, "authorship": "Gray, 1863", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "publishedIn": "Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1863, 152.", "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Holaspis Gray, 1863", "genus": "Holaspis", "parentKey": 5201, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Holaspis is a genus of wall lizard in the family Lacertidae found in Sub-Saharan Africa. They are capable of gliding flight, due to their bubbly light bone structure. They are predatory arboreal small lizards that eat small insects. They are occasionally kept as pets. Females may be slightly less ornately colored than the males. Neither gender grows larger than 12\u00a0cm."}, {"description": "Genus Holaspis Holaspis guentheri - Neon Blue-tailed Tree Lizard Holaspis laevis"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Hoplocercidae", "nubKey": 2471893, "speciesKey": 113421699, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113421692": "Hoplocercidae", "113421697": "Enyalioides", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Enyalioides laticeps", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Amazon wood lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113421692, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Enyalioides", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "31268949", "genusKey": 113421697, "canonicalName": "Enyalioides laticeps", "key": 113421699, "authorship": "Guichenot, 1855", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Enyalioides laticeps Guichenot, 1855", "genus": "Enyalioides", "parentKey": 113421697, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Amazon wood lizard (Enyalioides laticeps), also known as Guichenot's Dwarf Iguana is a species of reptile in the genus Enyalioides, native to the western part of the Amazon basin, notably in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru.Enyalioides laticeps. Encyclopedia of Life, available from \"http://www.eol.org/pages/794785\". Accessed 22 Mar 2011 Gustavo Pazmi\u00f1o Otamendi. 2010. Enyalioides laticeps. In: O. Torres-Carvajal (ed). Reptiles de Ecuador. Quito, Ecuador. [on line]. Ver. 2.0. Museo de Zoolog\u00eda, Pontificia Universidad Cat\u00f3lica del Ecuador. Quito, Ecuador. Enyalioides laticeps. The TIGR Reptile Database."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Leiosauridae", "nubKey": 2467452, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110969495, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110969492": "Urostrophus", "110943848": "Reptilia", "110969364": "Leiosauridae", "109354902": "Animalia", "110775394": "Chordata", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Urostrophus vautieri", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Brazilian Steppe Iguana"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110969364, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Urostrophus", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13203424", "genusKey": 110969492, "canonicalName": "Urostrophus vautieri", "key": 110969495, "authorship": "Dum\u00e9ril & Bibron, 1837", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Urostrophus vautieri Dum\u00e9ril & Bibron, 1837", "genus": "Urostrophus", "parentKey": 110969492, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "PAR-OO"}, {"description": "BZS-SC"}, {"description": "BZS-RS"}, {"description": "BZS-PR"}, {"description": "BZL-SP"}, {"description": "BZL-RJ"}, {"description": "BZL-MG"}]}
{"nameType": "DOUBTFUL", "family": "Madtsoiidae", "nubKey": 4968046, "speciesKey": 113435230, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113434937, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113434937": "Squamata", "113434208": "Sauropsida", "113301736": "Chordata", "113435228": "Yurlunggur", "113435217": "Madtsoiidae"}, "extinct": false, "species": "Yurlunggur camfieldensis", "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 113434208, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113435217, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Yurlunggur", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "2276779", "genusKey": 113435228, "canonicalName": "Yurlunggur camfieldensis", "key": 113435230, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Sauropsida", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Yurlunggur camfieldensis Scanlon, 1992J. D. Scanlon. 1992. A new large madtsoiid snake from the Miocene of the Northern Territory. The Beagle, Records of the Northern Territory Museum of Arts and Sciences 9(1):49-60 http://www.outbackatisa.com.au/img.ashx f=f&p=riversleigh_fossil_centre_files%2f1992Scanlon_Yurlunggur.pdf", "genus": "Yurlunggur", "parentKey": 113435228, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Yurlunggur is a genus of fossil snake in the extinct family Madtsoiidae. This genus was a part of the extinct megafauna of Australia, and contains the species Yurlunggur camfieldensis.Yurlunggur in the Paleobiology DatabaseA large apex predator that seems to have been extant in the region since the Miocene epoch. It is described as one of the Madtsoiidae family, that includes the species such as Wonambi naracoortensis, present in Australia until the Pleistocene. The name of the genus is derived from traditional name given by the people of Arnhem Land to the Rainbow serpent. They were large snakes, up to 6 metres long and 300 millimetres thick, that are more closely resemble Varanus (Monitors) than small burrowing lizards. John Scanlon has presented this as evidence of descent from the former, rather than burrowing ancestors that evolved into the elongate and legless snakes. The fossil material described by this species includes a rare example of a complete skull and mandible, often crushed in the fossilisation process, that was preserved in the soft limestone of a body of fresh water. This was found at the Riversleigh fossil site in northwest Queensland.The type locality is Bullock Creek, which occurs on the Camfield bed formations given in the specific epithet.Yurlunggur camfieldensis in the Paleobiology Database"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Diapriidae", "nubKey": 1249582, "speciesKey": 100087810, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Arthropoda", "orderKey": 114090125, "higherClassificationMap": {"114090125": "Hymenoptera", "114090124": "Hexapoda", "100087734": "Diapriidae", "114090123": "Arthropoda", "114090122": "Animalia", "100087794": "Betyla"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Betyla tuatara", "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 114090124, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 100087734, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Betyla", "kingdomKey": 114090122, "taxonID": "http://bioguid.osu.edu/xbiod_concepts/7642", "genusKey": 100087794, "canonicalName": "Betyla tuatara", "key": 100087810, "authorship": "Naumann", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 114090123, "class": "Hexapoda", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "0863cdca-59a2-4549-a67b-5c86d9133e6d", "threatStatuses": [], "publishedIn": "Naumann, I. D. (Ian D.). 1988. Ambositrinae (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Diapriidae). Fauna of New Zealand. No. 15. 165 pp.", "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Betyla tuatara Naumann", "genus": "Betyla", "parentKey": 100087794, "order": "Hymenoptera", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gekkonidae", "nubKey": 2445174, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "rank": "GENUS", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"1": "Animalia", "44": "Chordata", "5666": "Gekkonidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "vernacularNames": [], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5666, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Gekkonidae", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "121017770", "genusKey": 2445174, "canonicalName": "Saltuarius", "key": 2445174, "authorship": "Couper, Covacevich & Moritz, 1993", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "publishedIn": "Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 34 (1), 24 December: 97.", "numDescendants": 7, "scientificName": "Saltuarius Couper, Covacevich & Moritz, 1993", "genus": "Saltuarius", "parentKey": 5666, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Saltuarius is a genus of larger Australian geckos, known collectively as leaf-tailed geckos. The genus was created in 1993 to accommodate former members of the genus Phyllurus. These geckos appear very similar to the Uroplatus geckos native to Madagascar. However, this is a convergent evolution.The genus name is derived from the Latin word saltuarius, meaning \"keeper of the forest\".Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko, Australian Reptile Online Database, 2013."}, {"description": "The species in the genus Saltuarius inhabit Australia's eastern coastal region, a vegetation composed of rainforests and dry Eucalyptus forests. Saltuarius cornutus and Saltuarius swaini are arboreal geckos, the remaining species live on rocky outcrops. They all need a high level of relative air humidity. The species from southern regions must hibernate for several months at temperatures varying between 8 C and 15 C."}, {"description": "These species invariably lay soft-shelled eggs which are buried in humid substrates."}, {"description": "The following seven species are recognized as being valid.The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org. Saltuarius cornutus (Ogilby, 1892) \u2013 northern leaf-tailed gecko Saltuarius eximius Hoskin & Couper, 2013 \u2013 Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko Saltuarius kateae Couper et al., 2008 \u2013 Kate's leaf-tailed gecko Saltuarius moritzi Couper et al., 2008 \u2013 Moritz's leaf-tailed gecko Saltuarius salebrosus (Covacevich, 1975) \u2013 rough-throated leaf-tailed gecko Saltuarius swaini (Wells & Wellington, 1985) \u2013 southern leaf-tailed gecko Saltuarius wyberba Couper, Schneider & Covacevich, 1997 \u2013 leaf-tailed gecko The former Saltuarius occultus Couper, Covacevich & Moritz, 1993, the long-necked northern leaf-tailed gecko, is now Orraya occultus.Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Saltuarius."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Agamidae", "nubKey": 2466132, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110945787, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "110945778": "Uromastyx", "109354902": "Animalia", "110944037": "Agamidae", "110775394": "Chordata", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Uromastyx aegyptia", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Egyptian Mastigure"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Egyptian Spiny\u2013tailed Lizard"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "\u00c4gyptischer Dornschwanz"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110944037, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Uromastyx", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13210129", "genusKey": 110945778, "canonicalName": "Uromastyx aegyptia", "key": 110945787, "authorship": " (Forsk\u00e5l, 1775)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 3, "scientificName": "Uromastyx aegyptia (Forsk\u00e5l, 1775)", "genus": "Uromastyx", "parentKey": 110945778, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "SAU-OO"}, {"description": "PAL-JO"}, {"description": "PAL-IS"}, {"description": "OMA-OO"}, {"description": "LBY-OO"}, {"description": "LBS-SY"}, {"description": "IRQ-OO"}, {"description": "IRN-OO"}, {"description": "EGY-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Opluridae", "nubKey": 5843901, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 5843901, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2468477": "Oplurus", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "9113": "Opluridae", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Oplurus grandidieri", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Grandidier's Madagascar swift"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Grandidier's Madagascar Swift"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9113, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Oplurus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119587742", "genusKey": 2468477, "canonicalName": "Oplurus grandidieri", "key": 5843901, "authorship": "Mocquard, 1900", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Oplurus grandidieri Mocquard, 1900", "genus": "Oplurus", "parentKey": 2468477, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "This species is endemic to Madagascar. It has been found in a number of localities in the southern central highlands."}, {"description": "Grandidier's Madagascar swift (Oplurus grandidieri) is a saxicolous (rock dwelling) iguana of the genus Oplurus."}, {"description": "Grandidier's Madagascar swift has a distinctive light mid-dorsal band."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xantusiidae", "nubKey": 2451782, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110983427, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "109354902": "Animalia", "110983390": "Lepidophyma", "110775394": "Chordata", "110983387": "Xantusiidae", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Lepidophyma smithii", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Smith's Tropical Night Lizard"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Lagartija Nocturna de Smith"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110983387, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Lepidophyma", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13201047", "genusKey": 110983390, "canonicalName": "Lepidophyma smithii", "key": 110983427, "authorship": "Bocourt, 1876", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Lepidophyma smithii Bocourt, 1876", "genus": "Lepidophyma", "parentKey": 110983390, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "MXT-CI"}, {"description": "MXS-OA"}, {"description": "MXS-GR"}, {"description": "MXG-VC"}, {"description": "GUA-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Pygopodidae", "nubKey": 2472793, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110972019, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "110971985": "Pygopodidae", "109354902": "Animalia", "110775394": "Chordata", "110972017": "Delma", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Delma borea", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Rusty-topped Delma"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110971985, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Delma", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13199999", "genusKey": 110972017, "canonicalName": "Delma borea", "key": 110972019, "authorship": "Kluge, 1974", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Delma borea Kluge, 1974", "genus": "Delma", "parentKey": 110972017, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "WAU-WA"}, {"description": "SOA-OO"}, {"description": "QLD-QU"}, {"description": "NTA-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Varanidae", "nubKey": 2470729, "speciesKey": 113294874, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113294856": "Varanidae", "113294873": "V.", "113294859": "Varanus", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Varanus exanthematicus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Savannah monitor"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113294856, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "V.", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "4151020", "genusKey": 113294859, "canonicalName": "Varanus exanthematicus", "key": 113294874, "authorship": " (Bosc, 1792)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Varanus exanthematicus (Bosc, 1792)", "genus": "Varanus", "parentKey": 113294873, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Varanus exanthematicus is listed as Least Concern by IUCN. The species is hunted for its leather and meat and for the international pet trade. An average of 30,574 live specimens were imported into the US each year between 2000 and 2009; total imports of live specimens into the US between 2000 and 2010 was 325,480 animals. During the same period, 1,037 skins, shoes, and products of the species were imported into the US. Trade in live animals comes mainly from Ghana (235,903 animals exported between 2000 and 2010), Togo (188,110 animals exported between 2000 and 2010), and Benin (72,964 animals exported between 2000 and 2010). During the same period, total worldwide declared exports of skins and products of the species totalled 37,506. However there is substantial undeclared trade in the species from Sudan, Nigeria and elsewhere"}, {"description": "Its range extends throughout sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal east to Sudan and south almost to the Congo River and Rift Valley, where they are replaced by V. albigularis. V. exanthematicus is primarily a ground-dwelling species that shelters in burrows, although it is sometimes found in bushes or low trees. In the coastal plain of Ghana, V. exanthematicus juveniles are often associated with the burrows of the giant cricket Brachytrupes."}, {"description": "The specific name exanthematicus is derived from the Greek word (\u025bk\u02c8s\u00e6n\u03b8\u026am) : exanthem meaning an eruption or blister of the skin. French botanist and zoologist Louis Augustin Guillaume Bosc originally described this lizard as Lacerta exanthematica in reference to the large oval scales on the back of its neck."}, {"description": "Information about the diet of savannah monitors in the wild has been recorded in Senegal and Ghana. It feeds almost exclusively on arthropods and molluscs. In Senegal, Iulus millipedes were the most common prey of adults; in Ghana, small crickets formed the bulk of the diet of animals less than two months old; orthopterans (especially Brachytrupes), scorpions and amphibians were the most common prey of animals six to seven months old ."}, {"description": "Bosc's or savannah monitors are stoutly built, with relatively short limbs and toes, and skulls and dentition adapted to feed on hard-shelled prey. Maximum size is usually between 105 to 155 cm (3.5 to 5.0 ft) in length, although most specimens collected in the wild ranged from 60 to 76 cm (2 to 2.5 ft) with females being considerably smaller. The pattern of coloration of the skin varies according to the local habitat substrate. The body scales are large, usually less than 100 scales around midbody, a partly laterally compressed tail with a double dorsal ridge and nostrils equidistant from the eyes and the tip of the snout."}, {"description": "The savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) is a medium sized species of monitor lizard native to Africa. The species is known as Bosc's monitor in Europe, since French scientist Louis Bosc first described the species. It belongs to the subgenus Polydaedalus, along with the Nile, the ornate and other monitors."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 2451121, "speciesKey": 113423084, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113415521": "Squamata", "113423082": "Petrosaurus", "113423070": "Phrynosomatidae", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Petrosaurus mearnsi", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "banded rock lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113423070, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Petrosaurus", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "3444655", "genusKey": 113423082, "canonicalName": "Petrosaurus mearnsi", "key": 113423084, "authorship": " (Stejneger, 1894)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Petrosaurus mearnsi (Stejneger, 1894)", "genus": "Petrosaurus", "parentKey": 113423082, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Gravid females lay eggs from June through August. Clutch size varies from 2 to 6 eggs."}, {"description": "These lizards are associated with boulder hillsides."}, {"description": "It is endemic to extreme southern California and Baja California, Mexico.Smith, H.M., and E.D. Brodie, Jr. 1982. Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Press. New York. 240 pp. ISBN 0-307-13666-3 (paperback). (Streptosaurus mearnsi, pp. 110-111.)"}, {"description": "The specific name, mearnsi, is in honor of American naturalist Edgar Alexander Mearns, who collected the first specimens.Beltz, Ellin. 2006. Scientific and Common Names of the Reptiles and Amphibians of North America - Explained. ebeltz.net/herps/biogappx.html.Beolens, Bo; Michael Watkins; Michael Grayson. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Johns Hopkins University Press. Baltimore. xiii + 312 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Petrosaurus mearnsi, p. 174.)"}, {"description": "Petrosaurus mearnsi is an extremely flat-bodied lizard. Its dorsum is olive, brown or gray, with white or bluish spots. It has a single black collar, a banded tail, and granular scales on its body, with keeled tail and limb scales. Individuals may be 6.2 to 8.7 cm (2.4 to 3.4 in) long snout-to-vent. Males have more pronounced throat patterns and brighter blue coloring than females."}, {"description": "The banded rock lizard (Petrosaurus mearnsi) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard."}, {"description": "They are omnivorous, feeding not only on insects and spiders, but also on buds and flowers.Stebbins, R.C. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition. The Peterson Field Guide Series\u00ae. Houghton Mifflin. Boston and New York. xiii + 533 pp. ISBN 0-395-98272-3 (paperback). (Petrosaurus mearnsi, pp. 298-299 + Plate 32 + Map 100.)"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Agamidae", "nubKey": 2465402, "speciesKey": 113416076, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113415521": "Squamata", "113416074": "Physignathus", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia", "113415946": "Agamidae"}, "species": "Physignathus cocincinus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Chinese water dragon"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113415946, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Physignathus", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "2991134", "genusKey": 113416074, "canonicalName": "Physignathus cocincinus", "key": 113416076, "authorship": "Cuvier, 1829", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Physignathus cocincinus Cuvier, 1829", "genus": "Physignathus", "parentKey": 113416074, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Chinese water dragons have established themselves in Hong Kong, probably from released pet animals."}, {"description": "Chinese water dragons can grow up to 1 m in total length, including tail, and can live from ten to fifteen years. Coloration ranges from dark to light green. Diagonal stripes of green or turquoise are found on the body, while the tail is banded from the middle to the end with green and dark brown. Their undersides range from white, off white, very pale green, or pale yellow. But their throats are considered to be more attractive, which can be quite colorful (blue and purple, or peach), some with a single color, some with stripes. Adult males have larger, more triangular heads than females, and develop larger crests on the head, neck and tail, and are larger in general. The tail, slightly over two-thirds of the entire body length, can be used as a weapon, for balance, and to assist swimming.Like many other reptiles the Chinese water dragon possesses a small, iridescent, photosensitive spot between their eyes referred to as the pineal eye (or parietal eye, or colloquially as the third eye) that is thought to help thermoregulate their bodies by sensing differences in light to assist with basking and seeking shelter after sunset. Since it recognizes differences in light, the parietal eye can also help the lizard avoid predation from birds and other aerial threats, and can awaken from deep sleep from even slight changes in light from overhead. Habitat and behaviorsNative to the lowland and highland forests of southern China and southeastern Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Burma), Chinese water dragons are most commonly found along the banks of freshwater lakes and streams. They are active during the day (diurnal), and spend most of their time in the trees or plants (arboreal). If threatened, the dragon will drop from the trees into the water and either swim to safety or remain submerged for up to 25 minutes. Water dragons live in areas with average humidity levels of 40\u201380% and temperatures ranging from 80\u201390\u00a0\u00b0F (26\u201332\u00a0\u00b0C). DietThough they will also eat vegetation, the diet of the water dragon consists mainly of insects, supplemented with an occasional small fish, mammal or reptile."}, {"description": "Chinese water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) is a species of agamid lizard native to China and Indochina. It is also known as Asian water dragon, Thai water dragon, and green water dragon."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Viperidae", "nubKey": 5221071, "speciesKey": 104100292, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 104072682, "higherClassificationMap": {"103882489": "Chordata", "104072682": "Squamata", "103832354": "Metazoa", "104100285": "Lachesis", "104099419": "Viperidae"}, "species": "Lachesis muta", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "bushmaster"}], "habitats": [], "familyKey": 104099419, "kingdom": "Metazoa", "parent": "Lachesis", "kingdomKey": 103832354, "taxonID": "8752", "genusKey": 104100285, "canonicalName": "Lachesis muta", "key": 104100292, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 103882489, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "fab88965-e69d-4491-a04d-e3198b626e52", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Lachesis muta", "genus": "Lachesis", "parentKey": 104100285, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Tropiduridae", "nubKey": 2459848, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2459848, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "9116": "Tropiduridae", "1": "Animalia", "2459733": "Stenocercus", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Stenocercus fimbriatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Western Leaf Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Western Leaf Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9116, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Stenocercus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119589374", "genusKey": 2459733, "canonicalName": "Stenocercus fimbriatus", "key": 2459848, "authorship": "Avila-Pires, 1995", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Stenocercus fimbriatus Avila-Pires, 1995", "genus": "Stenocercus", "parentKey": 2459733, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Western Leaf Lizard (Stenocercus fimbriatus) is a species of lizard in the Tropiduridae family within the genus Stenocercus. It is found in Brazil and Peru."}, {"description": "BZN-AM"}, {"description": "PER-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Cordylidae", "nubKey": 5227172, "speciesKey": 113419723, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113419713": "Platysaurus", "113415521": "Squamata", "113419651": "Cordylidae", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Platysaurus imperator", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Emperor Flat Lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113419651, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Platysaurus", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "12611250", "genusKey": 113419713, "canonicalName": "Platysaurus imperator", "key": 113419723, "authorship": "Broadley, 1962", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Platysaurus imperator Broadley 1962", "genus": "Platysaurus", "parentKey": 113419713, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "A large male emperor flat lizard and several attendant females command the tops of huge boulders on hills, where they feed on beetles, grubs, and ants. Emperor flat lizards have been documented living up to fourteen years."}, {"description": "The emperor flat lizard's range is northeastern Zimbabwe and the adjacent part of Mozambique. Its habitat is mesic savanna. These lizards will often live on top of boulders on hills."}, {"description": "Females and juveniles are black and have three light cream stripes, which are yellow on the head, running down the lizard's back. The middle stripe is narrow and broken near the rear, and the tail is straw-colored. The throat is white, while the belly is mainly black. Adult males have a yellow head and a dark red body with several large, whitish spots anteriorly. These pale spots are yellowish near the tail. The limbs are black, while the throat is dark red with a thick black collar. The chest is reddish or yellowish while the tail is orange to light yellow below. Like the females and juveniles, the belly is black. This Platysaurus is the largest of its kind, with males reaching 146\u00a0mm. The common flat lizard, Platysaurus intermedius, is closely related, but the Emperor Flat Lizard is easily distinguishable by its large size and striking colors."}, {"description": "Emperor flat lizards are threatened by over-collecting for the pet trade."}, {"description": "Clutches of two eggs are laid in the summer. These eggs are large, with dimensions of 27\u00a0mm long by 12\u00a0mm wide."}, {"description": "The emperor flat lizard or imperial flat lizard (Platysaurus imperator) is a species of lizard in the Cordylidae family."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Scincidae", "nubKey": 2461776, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2461776, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2461745": "Brachymeles", "9115": "Scincidae", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "44": "Chordata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Brachymeles bonitae", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Pretty Short-legged Skink"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9115, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Brachymeles", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119583562", "genusKey": 2461745, "canonicalName": "Brachymeles bonitae", "key": 2461776, "authorship": "Dum\u00e9ril & Bibron, 1839", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Brachymeles bonitae Dum\u00e9ril & Bibron, 1839", "genus": "Brachymeles", "parentKey": 2461745, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Brachymeles bonitae, commonly known as Hikida's short-legged skink or the stub-limbed burrowing skink, is a species of skink found in the Philippines. It was first described in 1839 by Andr\u00e9 Marie Constant Dum\u00e9ril and Gabriel Bibron. It is endemic to the Philippines."}, {"description": "Brachymeles bonitae is a small, elongated lizard with a snout-to-vent length of up to 80 mm. It is a \"non-pentadactyl\" species, different populations having a varying number of digits on each tiny limb, normally in the range zero to two. Features that differentiate it from other similar skinks include the 47 to 57 presacral vertebrae and the number of rows of scales present. It has a pineal eye spot. It is a fossorial species and can move through leaf litter and loose soil by \"swimming\". Adaptations in skinks for this type of lifestyle typically include a wedge-shaped snout, short head, elongated body, reduced limbs and a reduction in the number of digits."}, {"description": "Brachymeles bonitae is endemic to the northern and north-central Philippines where it is found on the islands of Luzon, Polillo Island, Mindoro, Masbate, Calotcot, Tablas Island, Sibuyan Island, Lubang Island, Camiguin and Marinduque at elevations of up to 800 m above sea level. Its typical habitat is the floor of moist primary and secondary tropical forest where it is found among the leaf litter or under fallen logs. It is also found in plantations and coconut groves."}, {"description": "Brachymeles bonitae is listed by the IUCN as being of \"least concern\". This is because it has a wide distribution in the Philippines, its population size appears to be stable and no specific threats have been identified. It seems to be an adaptable species and is found in both primary and secondary forests and in coconut plantations. Severe deforestation would be likely to affect it but it is present in a number of protected areas including the Aurora Memorial National Park."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gekkonidae", "nubKey": 2445005, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2445005, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2445004": "Hemitheconyx", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "5666": "Gekkonidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Hemitheconyx caudicinctus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "African fat tail gecko"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "African fat-tailed gecko"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "(West-) Afrikanischer Krallengecko"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Fat-tail Gecko"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "African Fat-tail Gecko"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5666, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Hemitheconyx", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119585877", "genusKey": 2445004, "canonicalName": "Hemitheconyx caudicinctus", "key": 2445005, "authorship": "Dum\u00e9ril, 1851", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Hemitheconyx caudicinctus Dum\u00e9ril, 1851", "genus": "Hemitheconyx", "parentKey": 2445004, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "BKN-OO"}, {"description": "CMN-OO"}, {"description": "GHA-OO"}, {"description": "GUI-OO"}, {"description": "IVO-OO"}, {"description": "LBR-OO"}, {"description": "MLI-OO"}, {"description": "NGA-OO"}, {"description": "NGR-OO"}, {"description": "SEN-OO"}, {"description": "SIE-OO"}, {"description": "TOG-OO"}, {"description": "Hemitheconyx caudicinctus, commonly known as the African Fat-tailed Gecko, is a nocturnal, ground-dwelling gecko.The African Fat-tailed gecko is from the subfamily Eublepharinae. Members of this subfamily include the leopard gecko of south Central Asia, India, and Pakistan. This subfamily has clearly different characteristics from other geckos. They are terrestrial, nocturnal, have moveable eyelids, have vertical pupils, and no adhesive lamellae (sticky feet).The African Fat-tailed gecko is found in West Africa, from Senegal to Cameroon. Their habitat is dry and arid, although they will spend most of their time in a dark, humid hiding place. In captivity, it is important to provide these geckos with a source of humidity that mimics these conditions.The African Fat-tailed gecko is typically 8-14\u00a0inches (20-35 cm), with females being slightly larger than males. They have a captive lifespan of 10-25 years. Normal coloring is brown and tan/beige stripes, with a possible thin white stripe along the length of the back. The underbelly is pale pink or off-white.The African Fat-tailed gecko is equipped with the ability to lose its tail when threatened or attacked. If the tail is lost, the new tail will have a more rounded shape, similar to the head. It may not match the body coloration and pattern of the gecko. The tail is also where they store their fat, an important energy reserve. With its tail, an African fat tailed gecko can go days on end without food."}, {"description": "In the pet trade the African fat-tailed gecko has gained some popularity though is still not as popular as the closely related Leopard Gecko. Unlike the Leopard Gecko, these geckos tend to be more docile but do have a higher humidity requirement. Through selective breeding the reptile trade has been able to produce numerous color variants of the African fat-tailed gecko including tangerine, albino, patternless, black out, and aberrant fat-tails."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Polychrotidae", "nubKey": 2467252, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2467252, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"5017": "Polychrotidae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2468081": "Anolis", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Anolis porcatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Cuban green anole"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Cuban green anole"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Cuban Green Anole"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Cuban Green Anole"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5017, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Anolis", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119583077", "genusKey": 2468081, "canonicalName": "Anolis porcatus", "key": 2467252, "authorship": "Gray, 1840", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Anolis porcatus Gray, 1840", "genus": "Anolis", "parentKey": 2468081, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Cuban green anole is a species of anole found exclusively in Cuba, though it was introduced to parts of Florida. It is part of the A.carolinensis clade of anoles."}, {"description": "CUB-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Eublepharidae", "nubKey": 5221283, "speciesKey": 113292731, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113292728": "Eublepharidae", "113292729": "Eublepharis", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Eublepharis macularius", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Leopard gecko"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113292728, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Eublepharis", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "633081", "genusKey": 113292729, "canonicalName": "Eublepharis macularius", "key": 113292731, "authorship": "Blyth, 1854", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Eublepharis macularius Blyth, 1854", "genus": "Eublepharis", "parentKey": 113292729, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Leopard geckos were first described as a species by zoologist Edward Blyth in 1854 as Eublepharis macularius. The generic name Eublepharis is a combination of the Greek words Eu (good), and blephar (eyelid), as having eyelids is the primary characteristic that distinguishes members of this subfamily from other geckos, along with a lack of lamellae, bumpy skin, and nocturnal behavior.http://www.herpcenter.com/leopard-gecko-care/leopard-gecko-taxonomy.html The specific name, macularius, derives from the Latin word macula meaning \"spot\" or \"blemish\", referring to the animal's natural spotted markings.Leopard geckos are related to many different geckos including the African fat-tailed gecko. There are four species however that are exceptionally closely related to the leopard gecko, one of which was previously included as a subspecies of leopard gecko: In addition, there are five subspecies of leopard gecko:"}, {"description": "Sexual dimorphism is defined as a phenotypic difference between males and females of a species. It can be commonly found in animals, such as the leopard gecko and other reptiles. It exists in adult males and females, but can be difficult to determine in young geckos. The underside of a gecko truly determines the sex of the gecko. Males have pre-anal pores and hemipenal bulges while females have smaller pores and do not have external bulges.Males can determine the sex of other leopard geckos by smelling pheromones on their skin. Males respond to males with aggressive behavior while they demonstrate courtship behavior towards females. Towards other males, the male would raise itself up from the ground, extend his limbs, and arch his back with the swelling of the tongue in aggression. He will then make short dashes and quick, vigorous bites, which frequently lacerate the skin and sometimes severely injure his opponent. Males behave the same way towards females while they are shedding their skin. Before and after the shedding of the skin, the males still express courtship behavior towards the females."}, {"description": "Leopard geckos are also known to have temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Research shows that more females can be produced in predominantly cool temperatures (about 26 \u2013) and very warm temperatures (about 34 \u2013). It was recorded that males can be produced at the intermediate temperatures (about 31 \u2013). Females born in the higher temperatures differed from those who were born in the lower temperatures hormonally and behaviorally. Those born in the warmer temperatures expressed more aggressive behavior. These are known as \"hot females\" and are often determined to be infertile.Leopard geckos will breed typically in the summer. Females can store sperm over the course of their breeding season, so they can produce up to three clutches from one or two copulations, therefore, the male is not needed for reproductive success after the first or second copulation. Once the female has mated and received sperm, she will need an abundance of calcium for health and to ensure that the eggs calcify properly. She can lay about six to eight clutches, which consists of two eggs in each clutch. They will normally lay two eggs approximately 21 to 28 days after mating. After 45 to 60 days, droplets of moisture will appear on the shell and the shell will begin to shrink and partially collapse. These are indications that the eggs will hatch. Baby leopard geckos will have an \"egg tooth\", a calcareous tip at the end of its snout to help break their egg shell. Their \"egg tooth\" will fall off within one to two days. In addition to this, their skin will usually shed within 24 hours of hatching. The leopard gecko hatchling will not be able to eat until after the first shedding."}, {"description": "Leopard geckos are one of the most popular reptile pets. They are possibly the first domesticated lizard species. Their small size, robustness, and relatively easy care makes them a good \"beginner\" reptile pet. They breed easily in captivity, so most sold today are captive-bred rather than wild-caught."}, {"description": "The native habitat of the leopard gecko is the rocky, dry grassland and desert regions of south-Asian Afghanistan, Pakistan, north-west India, and some parts of Iran. Winter temperatures in these areas can be quite low, below 10 C, forcing the animals underground into semi-hibernation, called brumation, living on fat reserves. Leopard geckos are crepuscular reptiles; they are limited to the burrows during the day but become active at dawn and dusk when the temperature is favorable. These geckos are solitary, and do not usually live with other animals."}, {"description": "Leopard geckos feed on crickets, roaches, waxworms, mealworms, super worms, other insects, earth worms, pinky mice (although these have fatty livers). In captivity, most individuals will prefer hunting food themselves. The majority of captive leopard geckos will also refuse to eat dead prey. Crickets are the most common food source to give them in captivity, as they can hunt them in their enclosure the way they would in their natural environment, though mealworms and certain species of roach are also common. When food is scarce in the desert, they can rely on their ability to store excess fat in their tails. Sufficient calcium and vitamin D3 is also very important for their diet: How they obtain it in the wild is still unknown, although they likely receive this from their varied prey of moths, spiders, ants, and other insects. In captivity, it is near impossible to completely duplicate the diet they will have in the wild, so the most nutritious insects known are offered, usually dusted with a fine calcium powder with added vitamin D3 and sometimes gut loaded by feeding. Also, their keen sense of smell and sight allows them to search for food in the wild, they will stalk their prey somewhat like an actual leopard will, moving their tail, and then striking when they are satisfied."}, {"description": "Leopard geckos have predators such as snakes, foxes and other large reptiles. Their keen sense of hearing and sight help them escape from them during the night. Along with their exceptional sight and hearing abilities, their skin helps camouflage themselves from their predators. Their sense of taste and smell also helps them with survival. The shedding of their skin also removes any scent markers left behind for potential predators to discover. They also stay in underground holes and burrows during the daytime, not only avoid the heat, but to also avoid the risk of getting eaten.Leopard geckos also have the ability to voluntarily detach their tails if it is attacked, grabbed by the tail, bitten during copulation, or nipped by another during feeding. This is called caudal autotomy. After autotomy the tail can continue to twitch for as long as 30 minutes, allowing the gecko to escape from its predator. The tail is large and at least in one related species (Christinus marmoratus) it has been reported that the tail-less fleeing gecko makes for a quicker getaway. Fractures in the tailbone allow the tail to separate easily and rapid vasoconstriction allows the gecko to suffer minimal blood loss. This detaching of the tail causes a high level of stress on the gecko due to the loss of the valuable storage of fat it once had. It will start to regenerate its tail immediately because it is needed for survival. A lost tail may increase the chance of sickness in the gecko and in some cases kill it, but this is very rare. Regenerated tails often retain similar colors to the original tail [though there will most likely be a wide variance from the vibrancy and patterns of the original], however they are often smooth and lack the rigid qualities and length of a normal tail. The tail will also be shorter and often fatter than the previous tail."}, {"description": "Captive born and bred leopard geckos do not carry any diseases that are transmissible to humans. Salmonella is not an issue, because they live in a dry environment and the disease usually occurs in aquatic or semi-aquatic species kept in unsanitary housing conditions.http://www.reptilia.org/pdfs/habitarium/HabitariumPrograms-GeckoQuickFactSheet.pdf However, there are several common diseases that leopard geckos may experience. Gastoenteritis, caused by bacterial or protozoan (especially Coccidia) infection brought on my such things as unsanitary conditions, can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea. As a result, geckos may present with watery and/or bloody stool. Normally the stool is dry and well-formed with a small white portion. It is contagious and can be spread easily. Other symptoms of the disease include weight loss, a skinny tail, undigested cricket masses. If it is not treated, the gecko will stop eating, become dehydrated and scrawny, and possibly die. Metabolic bone disease or MBD is a nutritional deficiency caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D3 in the diet. Calcium and vitamin D3 are critical for proper bone formation during development and for proper calcification of eggs for a pregnant female. Geckos with MBD will experience symptoms such as weakness, bones becoming spongy, deformities in their limbs and spine, twitching or tremors, and a lack of appetite. Recovering from this disease can be very difficult. Anorexia in leopard geckos can be caused by stress, unsanitary conditions, nutritional diseases, or other diseases. Anorexic leopard geckos appear thin, develop an extremely thin tail, become weak and sluggish, stop eating, and usually die if untreated. Dysecdysis is a condition in which a leopard gecko has problems shedding its skin due to poor nutrition, lack of humidity and moisture, and poor care. Incompletely shed skin will appear as dry patches on various areas of the body such as the head, eyes, limbs, and tail. Leopard geckos with this condition may develop eye problems, have difficulty in walking, and noticeable constricting bands of old skin around their limbs. If the condition is not treated, it could lead to infection. Pneumonia is a severe respiratory tract infection that can be caused by bacteria in the lungs. Leopard geckos may be susceptible to this if their environment is too cool and humid thus compromising their immune system. Mucus bubbles appear in the nostril area of geckos with pneumonia, and they have difficulty breathing. The problem is usually resolved when the environment temperature rises to about 82 to. Sand impactions and prolapse can occasionally occur. This condition may result if a leopard gecko ingests sand or other substrates they live on."}, {"description": "Leopard geckos are large for a gecko. Hatchlings tend to be 6.5 to 8.4\u00a0cm (2.6 to 3.3\u00a0inches) in length and weighing about 3\u00a0grams while the adult geckos are about 20.5 to 27.5\u00a0cm (8.1 to 11\u00a0inches) in length and weight about 45 to 65\u00a0grams. Those found in the wild typically have a darker, dull, and drab coloration than those kept in captivity as pets. Those in captivity generally have an assortment of skin colors and patterns. The skin of a leopard gecko is very durable, which provides protection from the rough sand and rocky hills terrain of their dry environment. Their dorsal side is covered with small bumps, which gives a rough texture and appearance while their ventral side is thin, transparent, and smooth. Like all reptiles, leopard geckos shed their skin. In the few days before the shedding, the skin will turn color to a translucent whitish gray. Adults shed an average of once a month, while juveniles will sometimes shed twice as much. The gecko will eat its old skin after shedding, revealing a brighter colored one. There are two theories of why leopard geckos do this. One is that in the wild leopard geckos eat their shed skin so there is no trace that the leopard gecko was there. The other theory is that eating the shed skin is a means for obtaining protein and other vitamins for growth.Leopard geckos are ectothermic. They absorb warmth and energy during the day as they are sleeping, so they can hunt and digest food at night. In addition, they have short legs, which enable them to be quick and agile while their small nails allow them to climb twigs and rocks. Leopard geckos have openings on either side of their head as ears. A tympanic membrane covers and protects it. They use their ears to locate their prey. Healthy leopard geckos have thick, fleshy tails; a thin tail is an indication that the gecko is not healthy and may be lacking nutrition. Although, when in captivity, the tail can be fattened by the feeding of waxworms (wax moth larvae), these worms are typically too fatty for the gecko to get the nutritional value it needs. They can also be fed \"pinkys\", a one day old mouse to fatten up the tail, but again, these are very low in nutritional value. Breeders recommend coating crickets in a nutritional powder before serving them either live or dead. Leopard geckos' thick tails can regenerate when lost; however, the regenerated tails appear stumpy and never have the same appearance as the original tail. Unlike many other geckos, but like other Eublepharis, their toes do not have adhesive lamellae, so they cannot climb smooth vertical walls. TeethLeopard geckos are polyphyodonts and able to replace each of their 100 teeth every 3 to 4 months.Mechanism of tooth replacement in Leopard geckos Next to the full grown tooth there is a small replacement tooth developing from the odontogenic stem cell in the dental lamina.Identification of putative dental epithelial stem cells in a lizard with lifelong tooth replacement"}, {"description": "The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a crepuscular ground-dwelling lizard naturally found in the deserts of Asia and throughout Pakistan, to parts of northern India. Unlike most geckos, leopard geckos possess movable eyelids. It has become a well-established and popular pet in captivity."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Bipedidae", "nubKey": 5222403, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110946856, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "109354902": "Animalia", "110775394": "Chordata", "110946851": "Bipedidae", "110944020": "Squamata", "110946852": "Bipes"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Bipes canaliculatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Four-toed Worm Lizard"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110946851, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Bipes", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13199069", "genusKey": 110946852, "canonicalName": "Bipes canaliculatus", "key": 110946856, "authorship": "Bonnaterre, 1789", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Bipes canaliculatus Bonnaterre, 1789", "genus": "Bipes", "parentKey": 110946852, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "MXS-MI"}, {"description": "MXS-JA"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Teiidae", "nubKey": 2472455, "speciesKey": 113424543, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113415521": "Squamata", "113424533": "Teiidae", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia", "113424538": "Aspidoscelis"}, "species": "Aspidoscelis uniparens", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113424533, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Aspidoscelis", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "3380523", "genusKey": 113424538, "canonicalName": "Aspidoscelis uniparens", "key": 113424543, "authorship": " (Wright & Lowe, 1965)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Aspidoscelis uniparens (Wright & Lowe, 1965)", "genus": "Aspidoscelis", "parentKey": 113424538, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The taxonomy of the genus was unknown until the 1950s to early '60's. A 1958 report confirmed that no male lizards had been discovered in a collection of specimens of C. tesselatus. That very year parthenogenesis was confirmed in the genus Lacerta of the family Lacertidae. Quickly thereafter, it was discovered that there were also no males in C. exsanguis, C. neomexicanus, or C. velox.Lowe, Charles H., 1993. Introduction to the biology of whiptail lizards (genus Cnemidophorus) . \u201cBiology of Whiptail Lizards (Genus Chemidophorus)\u201dRather than subsume all cnemidophorine species in a single large genus, Lowe and Wright proposed a split that placed the North American \"Cnemidophorus\" clade in the monophyletic genus Aspidoscelis; under this arrangement, South American taxa remain in the genus Cnemidophorus. Hammerson, G.A. & Santos-Barrera, G. 2007. Aspidoscelis uniparens. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. www.iucnredlist.org"}, {"description": "All Grassland Whiptail Lizards are female. There is an absence of males in the species.The way they procreate does not need male fertilization but there have been observed pseudo-copulation that promotes fertilization during ovulation. They reproduce by parthenogenesis which is to say they basically clone a copy of themselves. Their clone however does not necessarily have the same chromosomal set as their mother. This is because the lizards start off with twice the amount of chromosomes as regular lizards. They maintain diversity by combining sister chromosomes instead of pairing their homologous chromosomes. With current studies this suggest the lizards can somehow distinguish between homologous and sister chromosomes.Harmon Katherine (2010) No Sex Needed: All-Female Lizard Species Cross Their Chromosomes to Make Babies. www.scientificamerican.com/article/asexual-lizards/ The lizard is a triploid unisexual species that reproduce asexually. They were a result from a cross breed of two bisexual species: the A. inornata and the A. burti. This then produced a diploid unisexual, which back crossed to inornata and produced triploid uniparens. The resulting offspring are exact genetic copies of their mother and can be considered clones, except for the handful of mutations for each batch of generation."}, {"description": "The Desert Whiptail Lizard is mostly found in the deserts of southern to central Arizona, and in New Mexico along the Rio Grande river. It is Also found into the deserts of northern Mexico. Aspidoscelis uniparens is commonly found in low valleys, grasslands, and slight slopes. Some have argued that the range is expanding due to overgrazing. A. uniparens are scarce in developed areas, especially where homeowners keep livestock.Audsley, Blake. American Midland Naturalist Volume: 155 Issue: 2 (2006-04-01) p. 395-401. ISSN: 0003-0031"}, {"description": "The primary diet for whiptail lizards consists of insects. For the most part these insects are spiders, termites, antlions, beetles, and short-horned grasshoppers. Dominant foods varied little between months and years. \"Sexual variation was more evident; it may act to reduce intraspecific competition for food resources and may be associated with secondary sexual size dimorphism.\" (Best, Gennaro 1985. p.\u00a0257) Troy L. Best, A. L. Gennaro (1985) . \u201cFOOD HABITS OF THE WESTERN WHIPTAIL LIZARD (CNEMIDOPHORUS TIGRIS) IN SOUTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO\u201d \u201cJSTOR\u201d, 45(3):e527"}, {"description": "The Desert Grassland Whiptail lizard is a relatively small reptile ranging from as small as 2\u00be inches (69 mm) to as large as 5\u00bc inches (137 mm).\"Whiptails (Cnemidophorus Spp.).\" https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_whiptails.php. Ed. Craig Ivanyi. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 23 Oct. 2014. Desert Grassland Whiptails are a very long and slim reptile. With a long thin tail that is longer than their body length. Their distinct identifying feature is the six yellowish lines that run the length of their body. The majority of their body tends to be an olive or brown color that fades to a faint blue/gray color on their tail. While the adolescent whip tails have a very bright and vibrant blue tail.Brennan, Thomas C. \"Desert Grassland Whiptail (Aspidoscelis Uniparens) - Reptiles of Arizona.\" Desert Grassland Whiptail (Aspidoscelis Uniparens) - Reptiles of Arizona. Reptiles of Arizona. Web. 23 Oct. 2014. Their bodies are lined with very small coarse scales, which gradually get larger as they approach the tail. While the scales on there bellies are much larger in size as well as much smoother."}, {"description": "The Desert Grassland Whiptail lizard (Aspidoscelis uniparens) is an all-female species. It was formerly placed in the genus Cnemidophorus. A. uniparens have limited social stimuli, having only two basic needs: finding food and avoiding predators.Eifler DA, Eifler MA (1998) Foraging Behavior and Spacing Patterns of the Lizard Cnemidophorus uniparens. J Herpetol 32:24\u201333A common predator of the whiptail lizard is the leopard lizard, who prey on A. uniparens by using ambush and stalking hunting tactics.Tollestrup K (1983) The social behavior of two species of closely related leopard lizards, Gambelia silus and Gambelia wislizenii. Z Tierpsychol 62:307\u2013320Pietruszka RD (1986) Search tactics of desert lizards: how polarized are they? Anim Behav 34:1742\u20131758Eifler, D. A., Eifler, M. A., & Harris, B. R. (2008). Foraging under the risk of predation in desert grassland whiptail lizards ( Aspidoscelis uniparens). Journal Of Ethology, 26(2), 219-223. doi:10.1007/s10164-007-0053-0These reptiles reproduce by parthenogenesis; eggs undergo a chromosome doubling after meiosis and develop into lizards without being fertilized. However, ovulation is enhanced by female-female courtship and \"mating\" (pseudocopulation) rituals that resemble the behavior of closely related species that reproduce sexually.Crews, D. & Fitzgerald, K.T. (1980). \"Sexual\" behavior in parthenogenetic lizards (Cnemidophorus). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 77, 1. pp. 499-502.Crews, D., Grassman, M. & Lindzey, J. (1986). Behavioral Facilitation of Reproduction in Sexual and Unisexual Whiptail Lizards. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 83, 24. pp. 9547-9550.Grassman, M. & Crews, D. (1987). Dominance and reproduction in a parthenogenetic lizard. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 21. pp. 141-147."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 6161347, "speciesKey": 113291562, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113291550": "Natrix", "113290768": "Colubridae", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Natrix natrix", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Grass snake"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113290768, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Natrix", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "928680", "genusKey": 113291550, "canonicalName": "Natrix natrix", "key": 113291562, "authorship": " (Linnaeus, 1758)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758)", "genus": "Natrix", "parentKey": 113291550, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Feeding Grass snakes prey mainly on amphibians, especially the common toad and the common frog, although they may also occasionally eat mammals and fish. Captive snakes have been observed taking earthworms offered by hand, but dead prey items are never taken. The snake will search actively for prey, often on the edges of water, using sight and sense of smell (using the Jacobson's organ). They consume prey live without using constriction. Habitat Grass snakes are strong swimmers and may be found close to fresh water, although there is evidence individual snakes often do not need bodies of water throughout the entire season.The preferred habitat appears to be open woodland and \"edge\" habitat, such as field margins and woodland borders, as these may offer adequate refuge while still affording ample opportunity for thermoregulation through basking. Pond edges are also favoured and the relatively high chance of observing this secretive species in such areas may account for their perceived association with ponds and water.Grass snakes, as with most reptiles, are at the mercy of the thermal environment and need to overwinter in areas which are not subject to freezing. Thus, they typically spend the winter underground where the temperature is relatively stable. Reproduction As spring approaches, the males emerge first and spend much of the day basking in an effort to raise body temperature and thereby metabolism. This may be a tactic to maximise sperm production, as the males mate with the females as soon as they emerge up to two weeks later in April, or earlier if environmental temperatures are favourable. The leathery-skinned eggs are laid in batches of eight to 40 in June to July and hatch after about 10 weeks. To survive and hatch, the eggs require a temperature of at least 21 C, but preferably 28 C, with high humidity. Rotting vegetation, such as compost heaps, are preferred locations. The young are about 18 cm long when they hatch and are immediately independent. MigrationAfter breeding in summer, snakes tend to hunt and may range widely during this time, moving up to several hundred metres in a day. Prey items tend to be large compared to the size of the snake, and this impairs the movement ability of the snake. Snakes which have recently eaten rarely move any significant distance and will stay in one location, basking to optimize their body temperature until the prey item has been digested. Individual snakes may only need two or three significant prey items throughout an entire season. Ecdysis (moulting)Ecdysis occurs at least once during the active season. As the outer skin wears and the snake grows, the new skin forms underneath the old, including the eye scales which may turn a milky blue/white colour at this time - referred to as being 'in blue'. The blue white colour comes from an oily secretion between the old and new skins, the snakes coloration will also look dull, like the animal is dusty. This process affects the eyesight of the snakes and they do not move or hunt during this time, they are also, in common with most other snakes, more aggressive. The outer skin is eventually sloughed in one piece (inside-out) and normal movement activity is resumed. Defence Not being venomous, the snake's only defence is to produce a garlic-smelling fluid from the anal glands, or to feign death (thanatosis) by becoming completely limp. They may also perform an aggressive display in defence, hissing and striking without actually opening the mouth. They rarely bite in defence. They may also secrete blood (autohaemorrhage) from the mouth and nose whilst playing dead. When caught they often regurgitate the contents of their stomachs. Protection and threatsThe species has various predator species, including corvids, storks, owls and perhaps other birds of prey, foxes and the domestic cat. In England, grass snakes are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and cannot be harmed or traded without a licence, although they may legally be captured and kept in captivity.Two of the subspecies are considered critically endangered: N. n. cetti (Sardinian grass snake) and N. n. schweizeri. In 2007, the grass snake was included on the updated UK Biodiversity Action Plan as a species in need of conservation and greater protection.BBC NEWS, Hedgehogs join 'protection' list"}, {"description": "The grass snake is widely distributed in mainland Europe, ranging from mid Scandinavia to southern Italy. It is also found in Middle East and northwestern Africa. British grass snakes belong to the subspecies N. n. helvetica.This species is one of only three snakes to occur in Great Britain, and is distributed throughout lowland areas of England and Wales; it is almost absent from Scotland and is not found in Ireland, which has no native snakes."}, {"description": "The grass snake is typically dark green or brown in colour with a characteristic yellow collar behind the head, which explains the alternative name ringed snake. The colour may also range from grey to black, with darker colours being more prevalent in colder regions, presumably owing to the thermal benefits of being dark in colour. The underside is whitish with irregular blocks of black, which are useful in recognizing individuals. In Great Britain, the grass snake is the largest reptile, reaching up to 190 cm total length, though such large specimens are rare. Females are considerably larger than males, typically reaching a size of 90 - when fully grown. Males are approximately 50 cm shorter and significantly smaller in girth. Weight is about 240 g. Since the colour of its collar is often pale yellow to white in the Balkans region, the name for this snake in Serbian/Croatian language is belou\u0161ka/bjelou\u0161ka, which means white-eared snake."}, {"description": "The grass snake (Natrix natrix), sometimes called the ringed snake or water snake, is a Eurasian non-venomous snake. It is often found near water and feeds almost exclusively on amphibians."}, {"description": "The name natrix is probably derived from the Latin nare or natare \"to swim\"."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 5222425, "speciesKey": 113423137, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113423118": "Phrynosomatidae", "113423128": "Phrynosoma", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Phrynosoma taurus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Mexican horned lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113423118, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phrynosoma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "27588787", "genusKey": 113423128, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma taurus", "key": 113423137, "authorship": "Dug\u00e8s, 1873", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma taurus Dug\u00e8s, 1873", "genus": "Phrynosoma", "parentKey": 113423128, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Phrynosoma taurus is viviparous like some horned lizards (Phrynosoma hernandezi, Phrynosoma orbiculare and others)."}, {"description": "The Mexican horned lizard is a terrestrial species found in arid scrub, high desert, and even tropical dry forest. Phrynosoma taurus can also persist in traditional pastures.UTexas.edu"}, {"description": "It is known to live in the Sierra Madre del Sur, south and southeast of Mexico City, in the states of Guerrero and Puebla, Mexico. Its range partially overlaps with that of Phrynosoma braconnieri."}, {"description": "The Mexican horned lizard (Phrynosoma taurus) is a horned lizard species native to Mexico.Itis.gov Horned lizards are sometimes referred to as \"horned toads\" or \"horny toads\", although they are not toads. Compared to other members of the horned lizards (genus Phrynosoma), little is known about this species.UTexas.edu"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xantusiidae", "nubKey": 2451730, "speciesKey": 113297272, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113297263": "Xantusiidae", "113297265": "Xantusia", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Xantusia extorris", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Durango night lizard"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113297263, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Xantusia", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "5833038", "genusKey": 113297265, "canonicalName": "Xantusia extorris", "key": 113297272, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Xantusia extorris", "genus": "Xantusia", "parentKey": 113297265, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Durango night lizard is a diminutive lizard found in the Mexican state of Durango. It is usually found in niches of agave and yucca plants."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gekkonidae", "nubKey": 2447609, "speciesKey": 113286650, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113284436, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113286473": "Gekkonidae", "113284436": "Squamata", "113286648": "Gonatodes", "113284374": "Reptilia", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Gonatodes albogularis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Yellow-headed gecko"}], "classKey": 113284374, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113286473, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Gonatodes", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "36322635", "genusKey": 113286648, "canonicalName": "Gonatodes albogularis", "key": 113286650, "authorship": " (Dum\u00e9ril & Bibron, 1836)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Gonatodes albogularis (Dum\u00e9ril and Bibron, 1836)", "genus": "Gonatodes", "parentKey": 113286648, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "There are four subspecies: Gonatodes albogularis albogularis Gonatodes albogularis bodinii Gonatodes albogularis fuscus Gonatodes albogularis notatus"}, {"description": "Yellow-headed geckos feed on insects. They are mainly diurnal. A study in Panama found that they may lay eggs on a seasonal basis, laying more eggs during the rainy season."}, {"description": "The yellow-headed gecko can grow up to between 69 -. Male yellow-headed geckos have yellowish heads and blue-blue bodies unlike the female yellow-headed geckos which have white-gray heads and bodies.Gonatodes albogularis wildherps The species are also identified by their round pupils and digits without extending lamellae."}, {"description": "The yellow-headed gecko or white-throated gecko (Gonatodes albogularis) is a species of gecko found in warm parts of Central and South America, and as an introduced species, in Florida."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Tropidophiidae", "nubKey": 5222243, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 5222243, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"5020": "Tropidophiidae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2450287": "Tropidophis", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Tropidophis haetianus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Haitian dwarf boa"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Haitian ground boa"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Haitian Dwarf Boa"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5020, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Tropidophis", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119589795", "genusKey": 2450287, "canonicalName": "Tropidophis haetianus", "key": 5222243, "authorship": "Cope, 1879", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 6, "scientificName": "Tropidophis haetianus Cope, 1879", "genus": "Tropidophis", "parentKey": 2450287, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Tropidophis haetianus, or the Haitian dwarf boa, is a species of snake in the Tropidophiidae family.McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Tour\u00e9 T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume). It is endemic to the Caribbean Islands."}, {"description": "DOM-OO"}, {"description": "HAI-HA"}, {"description": "JAM-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Amphisbaenia", "nubKey": 2451019, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2451019, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2451018": "Trogonophis", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "5683": "Amphisbaenia", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Trogonophis wiegmanni", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "checkerboard worm lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Checkerboard Worm Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Checkerboard worm lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5683, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Trogonophis", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119589760", "genusKey": 2451018, "canonicalName": "Trogonophis wiegmanni", "key": 2451019, "authorship": "Kaup, 1830", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Trogonophis wiegmanni Kaup, 1830", "genus": "Trogonophis", "parentKey": 2451018, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "MOR-MO"}, {"description": "MOR-SP"}, {"description": "TUN-OO"}, {"description": "The checkerboard worm lizard, Trogonophis wiegmanni, is a species of reptile in the Trogonophidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Trogonophis. It is found in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, temperate grassland, sandy shores, arable land, and pastureland. It is threatened by habitat loss."}, {"description": "Name: Checkerboard Worm Lizard. Can be distinguished by their coloration. Trogonophis wiegmanni has a pale yellow ground color while T. w. elegans has a gray-white or light pink ground color. Head: Rounded and slightly compressed dorso-ventrally. Snout slightly protruding. Two pairs of cephalic shields. Nostrils open forward. External ears absent. Skull elongate compared to other Trogonophidae.Body: wormlike; legless, elongate, cylindrical, and annulated. Sunken lateral lines. Short conical tail lacking autotomy. A relatively short and stout body relative to other legless lizards. Both sexes lack pre-anal pores."}, {"description": "BehaviorThis species can be found mostly under rocks/stones in their specific habitats sometimes in pairs. Individuals of the same sex in this species are never found together under the same rock indicating intrasexual intolerance. Females benefit from male presence through enhanced vigilance or reduced harassment by other males within this species. FeedingTrogonophis wiegmanni consumes a variety of insects and other soil invertebrates."}, {"description": "This species can found in areas with abundant leaf litter, sandy soil and moist soil that is covered with stones and other ground cover. It can also be found near roadsides, in traditionally cultivated areas, in oak forest and oak-juniper forests, in sandy patches with no vegetation and in steppe habitat. The species T. wiegmanni has a tolerance for a broad range of habitats such as; temperate forest, shrub land, temperate grassland, artificial/terrestrial arable Land, and artificial/terrestrial pastureland."}, {"description": "Only representative of the family Trogonophidae in North Africa.They showed a preference for areas with 5-10 cm high vegetation cover (i.e., perennial bushes and scrubs."}, {"description": "T. wiegmanni is native to the countries of northern Algeria, western Morocco, the Chafarinas Islands [Spain], and northwestern Tunisia.This species can be found anywhere between sea level and 1,900 miles above it."}, {"description": "Scientific Name: Trogonophis wiegmanni Common Name(s): English \u2013 Checkerboard Worm Lizard French \u2013 Trogonophis"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 2451029, "speciesKey": 113423172, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113423118": "Phrynosomatidae", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113423170": "Uta", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Uta stansburiana", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Common side-blotched lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113423118, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Uta", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "2410494", "genusKey": 113423170, "canonicalName": "Uta stansburiana", "key": 113423172, "authorship": "Baird & Girard, 1852", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Uta stansburiana Baird & Girard, 1852", "genus": "Uta", "parentKey": 113423170, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The systematics and taxonomy of these widespread and variable lizards is much disputed. Countless forms and morphs have been described as subspecies or even distinct species. The forms which occur in most of Mexico (except Baja California) have been recognized as a very distinct species, the eastern side-blotched lizard (Uta stejnegeri). Populations from San Benito and Cedros Islands were separated as distinct species Uta stellata and U. concinna, but are now included in U. stansburiana. Those of Santa Catalina Island and the Salsipuedes Islands, U. squamata and U. antiqua are sometimes included in this species, too, but this is certainly not correct in the latter case, and probably in the former also. Based on the same data that would give U. squamata species rank, the southern Baja California populations could arguably be split off (as Uta elegans), too. The proposed subspecies martinensis and taylori are probably not valid. The populations on \u00c1ngel de la Guarda, Mejia and Rasa Islands almost certainly constitute a separate species closer to Uta palmeri, and that of San Esteban Island may so too, being close to squamata. The status of the Las Encantadas group populations named as Uta encantadae, U. lowei and U. tumidarostra is not completely resolved; these distinct populations are of comparatively recent origin and are sometimes included in this species, but their unique adaptations to living in intertidal habitat suggest they should be considered distinct; whether as one or as three species remains unresolved.Murphy, Robert W. & Aguirre-Le\u00f3n, Gustavo (2002): The Nonavian Reptiles: Origins and Evolution. In: Case, Ted & Cody, Martin (eds.): A New Island Biogeography of the Sea of Cort\u00e9s: 181-220. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-513346-3 PDF fulltext Appendices 2-4"}, {"description": "The common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) is a species of side-blotched lizard found on the Pacific Coast of North America. It is notable for having a unique form of polymorphism wherein each of the three different male morphs utilizes a different strategy in acquiring mates. The three morphs compete against each other following a pattern of rock, paper, scissors, where one morph has advantages over another but is outcompeted by the third.The specific epithet stansburiana is in honor of Captain Howard Stansbury of the US Corps of Topographical Engineers, who collected the first specimens while leading the 1849-1851 expedition to explore and survey the Great Salt Lake of Utah.Moll, Edward. 2005. Uta stansburiana, Baird and Girard, 1852 - Common Side-blotched Lizard. Sonoran Herpetologist."}, {"description": "Mating Rock-paper-scissor mechanismMale side-blotched lizards exhibit distinct polymorphism in their throat colors, and can be divided into three different categories. Each of these three different morphs varies in how it competes for mates, and variation within a breeding population is maintained by a rock-paper-scissors mechanism of frequency-dependent sexual selection. A cycle is created where the least common morph of one breeding season often has the largest number of mature living offspring in the next year. This is because one morph does particularly well against another, but poorly in comparison to the third. Orange-throated males are \u201cultradominant\u201d. They are the largest and most aggressive morph, defending relatively large (about 100 m2 or 120 yd2) territories and keeping harems of females with which they mate. They are adept at stealing mates from blue-throated individuals, but are vulnerable to cuckoldry by the yellow-throated female mimics. Orange-throated males also have significantly reduced yearly survival rates compared to the other two morphs. Blue-throated males are \"dominant\". They are intermediate in size, and guard smaller territories containing only a single female. As they only have one mate to defend, they are better at catching yellow-throated sneaks, but are also susceptible to having their mates stolen by the larger, more aggressive orange-throated males. Yellow-throated males are \u201csneakers\u201d. Their coloration is similar to that of sexually mature females, and they typically mimic female \u201crejection\u201d displays when they encounter dominant orange- or blue-throated males. Unlike the other morphs, yellow-throated males do not hold territories. Instead, they have wide-reaching home ranges that may overlap with several other lizards\u2019 territories. They rely on their mimicry to sneak matings with unattended females. This is more easily achieved among the harems kept by orange-throated males than by the single, closely guarded mate of the blue-throated males. Though orange-throated males have the highest mortality rates, yellow-throated males have higher relative rates of posthumous fertilization (posthumous birth), indicating an increased reliance on sperm competition as part of their reproductive strategy. Yellow-throated males can in specific instances transform into blue-throated males over the course of the breeding season. This transformation is usually triggered by the death of a nearby dominant male, and the blue patches the yellow-throated males develop is qualitatively distinct from the blue patches of genetically blue-throated males. Not all yellow-throated males transform, but when they do, they give up their female mimicry and adopt the \u201cdominant\u201d morph's behavior pattern. No transformations in the other direction, in which dominant males gain yellow-throat coloration, have been observed. Female side-blotched lizards have also been shown to exhibit behaviorally correlated differences in throat coloration. Orange-throated females are considered r-strategists. They typically produce large clutches consisting of many small eggs. In contrast, yellow-throated females are K-strategists that lay fewer, larger eggs. Like the male morphs, the frequencies of these two female morphs also cycle with time. However, the cycle is shorter \u2013 two years in comparison to the male morphs\u2019 four- or five-year cycle \u2013 and is not a result of frequency-dependent sexual selection. Instead, orange-throated females are more successful at lower population densities, where competition for food is less fierce and less selection pressure from predation occurs. When population density is high and or when predators abound, yellow-throated females tend to have higher reproductive success. In general, their larger hatchlings have higher short-term and long-term survival rates, and these advantages are magnified in times of scarcity. Side-blotched lizards show displays and aggression shortly after hatching, and even minute differences in size can lead to increased social dominance and capacity to outcompete the smaller hatchlings. Genetic determination of throat-color polymorphismAnalysis of DNA nuclear microsatellites has provided genetic evidence for the rock-paper-scissors behavior pattern of male side-blotched lizard competition. In populations where all three morphs are present, shared paternity between yellow- and blue-throated individuals occurs at a rate significantly below random chance, while shared paternity between yellow- and orange-throated males occurs at a rate significantly above chance. In addition, blue-throated males often shared paternity with orange-throated males, despite having mostly yellow-throated neighbors.Blood plasma testosterone levels play an important role in the creation of the three male morphs both during and after development. Orange-throated males have 46-48% higher plasma testosterone levels compared to their yellow- or blue-throated counterparts. Experimental elevation of plasma testosterone levels in the other two male morphs led to increases in endurance, aggressiveness, and territory size to the degree expressed by normal orange-throated males. In addition, the transformation of yellow-throated males to blue-throated males is accompanied by an increase in their plasma testosterone levels.Throat color in side-blotched lizards is genetically determined, and has high heritability. It is determined by a single Mendelian factor with three alleles. In males, the o allele is the dominant allele, and the b allele is recessive to the y allele. Therefore, phenotypically orange-throated males have genotypes of either oo, ob, or oy. Yellow-throated males have genotypes of either yy or yb, and blue-throated males are exclusively bb. In females, all individuals with the dominant o allele are orange-throated, while those lacking an o allele develop yellow throats. ReproductionFemale side-blotched lizards lay clutches with an average of 5.1 eggs and a maximum of 9 eggs in a single clutch. Smaller clutch sizes, often associated with yellow-throated females, have an increased frequency of eggs bursting upon being laid or egg binding, suggesting an upper physiological limit to how much a female can invest in each individual egg she lays. Aggression and courtshipDominant male side-blotched lizards are aggressive in the defense of their territories. Upon spotting another conspecific within their territories, resident individuals enter a state of heightened alertness. They perform one or more \u201cpushups\u201d (vertical bobbing motions), arch their backs, and extend their limbs before approaching the intruder. If the intruder is another male, the resident follows up by rushing, butting, or nipping at the intruder, which will then usually proceed to run away. If it is a female, the resident will initiate courtship, which consists of circling, flank-biting, licking, smelling, shallower head-bobbing, and eventually copulation. Body shape and passivity are the main releasers for courtship activity, and males have been observed in trying to court and copulate with smaller lizards of other species, as well as smaller subordinate side-blotched lizards.Tail length is important in the determination of dominance hierarchies. Like many other lizard species, side-blotched lizards use tail autotomy as an escape mechanism. However, a reduction in tail length also confers a loss of social status for both males and females. Males will autotomize their tails less readily than will females, likely due to the increased importance of social status for males. Subordinate females can still mate, but male reproductive success is directly tied to their social status. FeedingSide-blotched lizards display feeding behavior which can be influenced by sex or season. In a study conducted by Best et al., these lizards were found to consume diets largely based upon arthropod populations within the area, within a given season. These populations vary by year, and different arthropod populations will fluctuate seasonally. The study showed a correlation between sex and diet, giving way to a number of theories that speculate why gender has an effect on feeding behavior and diet. One mechanism proposes the behavior differences depend on gender, such as guarding territories and attracting mates, are responsible for, or a contributing factor in, feeding behavior. Alternatively, the sexual difference in feeding behavior could also act in favor of reducing intraspecific competition for resources, with individuals eating prey appropriate for their respective size (ex. small females consuming smaller prey)."}, {"description": "The common side-blotched lizard is a species of small iguanid lizard. Males can grow up to 60\u00a0mm (2.4 inches) from snout to vent, while females are typically a little smaller. The degree of pigmentation varies with sex and population. Some males can have blue flecks spread over their backs and tails, and their sides may be yellow or orange, while others may be unpatterned. Females may have stripes along their backs/sides, or again may be relatively drab. Both sexes have a prominent blotch on their sides, just behind their front limbs. Coloration is especially important in common side-blotched lizards, as it is closely related to the mating behavior of both males and females."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Varanidae", "nubKey": 2470822, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2470822, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "2470872": "Varanus", "5023": "Varanidae", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Varanus gouldii", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Goulds Waran"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Gould's Goanna"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Gouldswaran"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Sand Monitor"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Sand goanna"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5023, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Varanus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119590148", "genusKey": 2470872, "canonicalName": "Varanus gouldii", "key": 2470822, "authorship": "Gray, 1838", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Varanus gouldii Gray, 1838", "genus": "Varanus", "parentKey": 2470872, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The sand goanna (Varanus gouldii) is a large Australian monitor lizard, also known as Gould's monitor, the sand monitor, or racehorse goanna.http://www.wildherps.com/species/V.gouldii.htmlIn some Aboriginal languages, the sand goanna is called bungarra,Flora and fauna of Australia\u2019s West Pilbara Coast Karratha Visitor Centre website, accessed: 30 July 2012 a term commonly used by nonaboriginal people in Western Australia, too.The name 'sand monitor' can be used to describe various other species. Gould's monitor is a terrestrial or \"ground-dwelling\" reptile that excavates large burrows for shelter. Rock escarpments and tree hollows are also suitable dwellings. V. gouldii inhabits a vast range throughout Australia, and reaches an average length of 140 cm and can weigh as much as 6 kg. They can be found in northern and eastern Australia, where they inhabit open woodlands and grasslands. V. g. flavirufus, a slightly smaller subspecies, resides in Australia's interior. In some places, however, the ranges of Gould's, V. g. flavirufus and the Argus monitor overlap. The similarities between the species and their close proximity frequently cause confusion.The sand monitor is a relentless forager. It is diurnal, meaning most of its activities take place during the day. Anything smaller than itself will be eagerly devoured. The diets of hatchlings and juveniles often consist mostly of insects and small lizards, but generally varies more with age. Adult monitors will prey on mice, small birds large insects, small lizard species, snakes, and carrion. They are seemingly immune to snake venom and will kill and eat even the most venomous species such as the Fierce Snake. The sand goanna does consume smaller species of monitors: Ackies, rock monitors and other dwarf species are often found and eaten. It is common to see a Gould's disturbing rock piles in an attempt to flush out any Odatria. It lays it eggs in termite mounds to protect them from the harsh desert climate. Like all goannas and Snakes the Sand Monitor has a forked tongue, for which they taste the air. scents are picked up on each side of the fork which when retracted brushes over an area in the mouth called the Jacobson's organ which identifies on which side the scent is the strongest. Upon identifying this difference in scent strength the Sand monitor can alter its direction accordingly."}, {"description": "Photo of Varanus gouldii at AROD.com.au Photo of Varanus gouldii at Pbase.com Cogger, H. (1967). Australian Reptiles in Colour. Sydney: A. H. & A. W. Reed, ISBN 0-589-07012-6 King, Dennis & Green, Brian. 1999. Goannas: The Biology of Varanid Lizards. University of New South Wales Press. ISBN 0-86840-456-X Brian Bush, Brad Maryan, Robert Browne-Cooper and David Robinson,(1995) A guide to the reptiles and frogs of the Perth region, Nedlands. UWA Press. ISBN 1-875560-42-4 Thompson (1995). \"Foraging patterns and behaviours, body postures and movement speed for goannas, Varanus gouldii (Reptilia: Varanidae), in a semi-urban environment.\" G. G. Thompson. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 78 (4), December 1995, pp.\u00a0107\u2013114. DEFAULTSORT"}, {"description": "Gould's goanna - V. g. gouldi Desert sand monitor - V. g. flavirufus"}, {"description": "Verbreitungsgebiet innerhalb Australiens Goulds Waran (Varanus gouldii) ist eine gro\u00dfe Echsenart aus Australien und dem S\u00fcden Neuguineas. Er wird 1,40 Meter lang, die Kopf-Rumpfl\u00e4nge betr\u00e4gt maximal 67 Zentimeter bei M\u00e4nnchen und 43 Zentimeter bei Weibchen. Die Tiere k\u00f6nnen ein Gewicht von 5 kg erreichen.Drei Unterarten werden unterschieden: V. gouldii gouldii, lebt im \u00e4u\u00dfersten Norden von Western Australia und des Northern Territory, sowie auf einigen Inseln vor der australischen Nordk\u00fcste. V. gouldii hornii kommt im S\u00fcden Neuguineas vor. V. gouldii rubidus, lebt im zentralen Western Australia. Die Populationen auf den Inseln der Torres-Stra\u00dfe wurden bisher keiner Unterart zugeordnet."}, {"description": "Goulds Waran ern\u00e4hrt sich von kleinen S\u00e4ugetieren, V\u00f6geln, kleinere Reptilien (Schlangen, Skinke, Agamen, Kleine Warane), den Eiern von V\u00f6geln, Echsen und Schildkr\u00f6ten, von Fr\u00f6schen und Krebsen. Bei Gelegenheit frisst er auch Aas, auch an Kadavern von gr\u00f6\u00dferen Tieren wie K\u00e4ngurus."}, {"description": "Goulds Waran pflanzt sich in der Regenzeit fort. Das einzige Gelege im Jahr umfasst maximal 11 bis 13 Eier. In einer Zucht in Gefangenschaft schl\u00fcpften die Jungwarane bei einer Bruttemperatur von 28\u00a0\u00b0C nach 210 bis 229 Tagen und waren dann schon 30 Zentimeter lang. Bei V. gouldii gouldii wurde dagegen eine L\u00e4nge von 10,5 Zentimeter f\u00fcr die Schl\u00fcpflinge angegeben."}, {"description": "V. gouldii gouldii lebt vor allem an Fl\u00fcssen, in Mangroven und an der Meeresk\u00fcste und wird nur selten weiter als 200 Meter vom n\u00e4chsten Wasser entfernt angetroffen. Seine selbstgegrabenen Erdh\u00f6hlen fertigt er oft an den B\u00f6schungen ausgetrockneter Fl\u00fcsse an. V. gouldii rubidus lebt in wesentlich trockeneren Gegenden. Er gr\u00e4bt H\u00f6hlen in den Erdboden, die 1,30 Meter tief werden k\u00f6nnen. Seine Lebensweise ist ebenso wie die von V. gouldii hornii weitgehend unbekannt."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Crotaphytidae", "nubKey": 5227123, "speciesKey": 113419825, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113419823": "Gambelia", "113415521": "Squamata", "113419807": "Crotaphytidae", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Gambelia wislizenii", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "long-nosed leopard lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113419807, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Gambelia", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "16270406", "genusKey": 113419823, "canonicalName": "Gambelia wislizenii", "key": 113419825, "authorship": "Baird & Girard, 1852", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Gambelia wislizenii Baird & Girard, 1852", "genus": "Gambelia", "parentKey": 113419823, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The breeding season extends from May to June with a single clutch of 5\u20136 eggs being laid usually in June or July, which hatch in the late summer months of July or August. During mating no pair bond is formed between adults. A single clutch is usually laid per year but in the warmer climates towards the south, it is possible for a female to spawn up to two clutches per year. Birthing and egg-laying occur in an underground burrow, although no nest structure is formed. Egg incubation is estimated to be between five and seven weeks. Young emerge in August, when adult activity is coming to an end. The timing of the juvenile emergence coinciding with the cessation of adult activity may aid in the prevention of cannibalism."}, {"description": "The \"long-nosed leopard lizard\" preys on small lizards, in addition to insects and sometimes rodents, like all members of the family. This lizard also is cannibalistic, eating smaller leopard lizards when the opportunity arises. On occasion, they will eat the young leopard lizards they hatch but the adults are usually not active during the time period that most young hatch from their eggs. This allows the young time to grow and become more of a contender with the larger adults. Its long nose usually makes its jaw quicker and better for catching vertebrate prey. This species utilizes the stalking and ambush techniques when hunting. As an ambush predator, it lays await in the shadows underneath a bush or small tree, where its spotted pattern blends, waiting for its prey to come within capture range. When prey is sufficiently close, it uses a rapid pouncing movement to capture the prey in its strong jaws. These lizards have been documented to jump up to 2 ft in any direction, including into the air, in order to catch their prey.\"More than one leopard lizard has been found choked to death by the size of the prey it attempted to swallow.\"\"Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians\", John F Breen. 1974, T.F.H. PublicationsSome predators of \"long-nosed leopard lizards\" include a number of birds, snakes, coyotes, badgers, the kit fox, and more."}, {"description": "The specific name or epithet, wislizenii, is in honor of the German-American surgeon and naturalist Frederick Adolph Wislizenus, who caught the first specimen near Santa Fe, New Mexico.Beltz, Ellin. 2006. Scientific and Common Names of the Reptiles and Amphibians of North America - Explained. ebeltz.net/herps/biogappx/html.Beolens, Bo; Michael Watkins; Michael Grayson. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Johns Hopkins University Press. Baltimore. 312 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Gambelia wislizenii, p. 288.)"}, {"description": "The \"long-nosed leopard lizard\" prefers to inhabit arid and semiarid plains growth, like bunch grass, alkali bush, sagebrush, creosote bush and other scattered low plants. The ground can be hardpan, sand or even gravel with rocks that may often be used as basking sites. Prefers flat areas with open space for running, avoiding densely vegetated areas. From near sea Level to around 6,000 ft. Its range includes the Western part of the United States from Oregon to Idaho in the north, south to northern Mexico in Baja California, Sonora, Coahuila, and Zacatecas. In San Diego County, it occurs east of the Peninsula Ranges within the Lower Colorado Desert. They are found in desert flats and lower foothills with little vegetation."}, {"description": "The lizard has granular dorsal scales that can be white, cream, or gray with irregular brown or dark gray spots along its body and head. Sometimes they have dark bars across their back. The tail also has dark bars across it. Juveniles have more highly contrasted markings compared to adults, often with rusty coloring on the back or bright red spots, and yellow on the thighs and under the tail.The male and female are different in appearance. The female is about 5.8 in snout-vent length, and the male is smaller, measuring about 4.8 in SVL. Both sexes are capable of marked color changes. In its dark phase the lizard's spots are nearly hidden and light crossbars become quite obvious on both the body and the tail. In the light phase the opposite is true with the dominant color consisting of gray, pinkish, brown or yellowish brown hues. During the mating season females develop reddish orange spots and bars on their sides and underneath the tail when gravid. Males develop pink or rusty wash on the throat, chest, and sometimes the body, during the breeding season."}, {"description": "The blunt-nosed leopard lizard is endangered. It is no longer present throughout most of its former range as the habitat has been significantly altered by farming, urban development, overgrazing, oil wells, mining, reservoirs, and off-road vehicle use. This habitat alteration continues. However, there are no specific conservation concerns for the long-nosed leopard lizard."}, {"description": "The \"long-nosed leopard lizard\" is often seen on small rocks along the roadside, preferring direct sunlight when basking. It is diurnal and has the potential to be active all day when the weather is mild to warm. The daily activity cycle starts relatively early (05:30\u201308:30; variation depends on location), and after a period of basking, long-nosed leopard lizards begin active hunting and feeding. When in danger, it uses a defense mechanism known as \"freeze\" behavior, which means it runs underneath a bush, flattens its body against the ground and is motionless until the threat is gone. If the case is extreme enough, such as capture, it is capable of caudal autotomy, or tail separation. Its speed and agility are major contributors to its predatory success as well as its ability to evade predators. When running at rapid speeds they run with forelimbs raised."}, {"description": "The long-nosed leopard lizard, Gambelia wislizenii, is a relatively large lizard ranging from 3+1/4 to snout-vent length (SVL). It has a large head, long nose, and a long round tail that can be longer than its body. It is closely related to the \"blunt-nosed leopard lizard\" which closely resembles the long-nosed leopard lizard in body proportions, but has a conspicuously blunt snout. They were once considered part of the genus Crotaphytus. They are endangered because of habitat destruction."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gekkonidae", "nubKey": 2447244, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2447244, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "5666": "Gekkonidae", "2447230": "Coleonyx", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Coleonyx variegatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Western banded gecko"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Geb\u00e4nderter W\u00fcstengecko"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Krallengecko"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Western Banded Gecko"}, {"language": "spa", "vernacularName": "Cuija occidental"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Western Banded Gecko"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5666, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Coleonyx", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119584209", "genusKey": 2447230, "canonicalName": "Coleonyx variegatus", "key": 2447244, "authorship": "Baird, 1858", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 6, "scientificName": "Coleonyx variegatus Baird, 1858", "genus": "Coleonyx", "parentKey": 2447230, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "CAL-OO"}, {"description": "MXE-CU"}, {"description": "MXN-BC"}, {"description": "MXN-BS"}, {"description": "MXN-SO"}, {"description": "NEV-OO"}, {"description": "NWM-OO"}, {"description": "UTA-OO"}, {"description": "The western banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) is a species of gecko found in the southwestern United States (southern California, southwest New Mexico, southern Arizona, Utah, Nevada) and northern Mexico (Sonora, northwest Baja California). Five subspecies are recognized."}, {"description": "The western banded gecko is secretive and nocturnal, foraging at night for small insects and spiders, and is one of the few reptiles that control scorpion populations by eating baby scorpions. If captured, they squeak and may discard their tail. As a defense mechanism, they can also curl their tails over their bodies to mimic a scorpion. Females lay up to three clutches of one to two soft-shelled eggs in the spring and summer. Emerging on warm nights around 80 degrees F, they can be seen around porch lights looking for an easy meal, retreating if the temperature rises too high or drops too low. Eggs hatch after six weeks."}, {"description": "Western banded geckos are terrestrial lizards, ranging in length from 4 -. Hatchlings measure 1 in. The body is sandy coloured with dark bands broken into patches. The tiny scales give its skin a silky texture. Unlike typical geckos, it has prominent eyes with movable lids."}, {"description": "Western banded geckos are found in a wide range of habitats, including creosote bush and sagebrush desert, pinyon-juniper woodland, and catclaw-cedar-grama grass associations in the eastern part of its range and chaparral areas in the west. Their elevational range extends from below sea level to about 1520 m asl."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Lacertidae", "nubKey": 2468588, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2468588, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"5201": "Lacertidae", "44": "Chordata", "2469687": "Takydromus", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Takydromus tachydromoides", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Japanese grass lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Japanese Grass Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5201, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Takydromus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119589485", "genusKey": 2469687, "canonicalName": "Takydromus tachydromoides", "key": 2468588, "authorship": "Schlegel, 1838", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Takydromus tachydromoides Schlegel, 1838", "genus": "Takydromus", "parentKey": 2469687, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Takydromus tachydromoides (Japanese grass lizard) is a wall lizard species of the genus Takydromus. It is found in Japan. Its Japanese name is 'kanahebi' (\u30ab\u30ca\u30d8\u30d3). 'Hebi' means 'snake' in Japanese, although this lizard is not a snake. There are three lizards found in the four main islands of Japan. The other two are the Japanese Gekko (also, Schlegel's Japanese Gekko, Gekko japonicus), and the Japanese Five-lined Skink (Eumeces latiscutatus, also Plestiodon latiscutatus; this skink shows five lines only as a juvenile).Kevin Short, Nature in Tokyo, Kodansha, 2000"}, {"description": "JAP-HN"}, {"description": "JAP-KY"}, {"description": "JAP-SH"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xenosauridae", "nubKey": 2448241, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "rank": "GENUS", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"1": "Animalia", "9118": "Xenosauridae", "44": "Chordata", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Chinese crocodile lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9118, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Xenosauridae", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "121060141", "genusKey": 2448241, "canonicalName": "Shinisaurus", "key": 2448241, "authorship": "Ahl, 1930", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "publishedIn": "S. B. Ges. Naturf. Fr. Berlin, 1930, 329.", "numDescendants": 1, "scientificName": "Shinisaurus Ahl, 1930", "genus": "Shinisaurus", "parentKey": 9118, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is a semiaquatic lizard found only in cool forests in the Hunan, Guangxi and Guizhou Provinces of China, and the Qu\u1ea3ng Ninh Province in Vietnam. The Chinese crocodile lizard spends much of its time in shallow water or in overhanging branches and vegetation, where it hunts its prey of insects, snails, tadpoles, and worms. Individuals in captivity may be fed baby mice.Chinese Crocodile Lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus). The Sacramento Zoological Society. A rare and little-studied lizard, it is listed in CITES Appendix II, which regulates international trade of specimens.CITES Web Gallery. This is the only species in the monotypic genus Shinisaurus.Huang, C. M., et al. (2008). Population and conservation strategies for the Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) in China. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation 31(2) 63-70.Shinisaurus, the Chinese crocodile lizard, was once also regarded as a member of Xenosauridae, but most recent studies of the evolutionary relationships of anguimorphs consider Shinisaurus to be more closely related to monitor lizards and helodermatids than to Xenosaurus. It is now placed in its own family Shinisauridae."}, {"description": "A 2008 study estimated 950 crocodile lizards left in China. Less than 200 specimens are left in North Vietnam and until 2013, most of the population in Vietnam had been caught for sale in South China (Guangxi province). Habitat loss is the main threat to the species. Before it became a CITES protected species, it was occasionally imported for the pet trade, which also contributed to its population decline. In 2014, it was granted an IUCN Red List status of endangered (EN), based on severe habitat fragmentation and population declines"}, {"description": "The Chinese crocodile lizard is green colored with reddish neck markings and alternating bands of light and dark marks. Males are more colorful than females, especially during the breeding season. They are 40-46\u00a0cm (16-18\u00a0in) long. Perhaps its most distinctive features are the rows of enlarged, bony scales down its back and muscular tail, giving the lizard its namesake."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Lacertidae", "nubKey": 5960643, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110967097, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "110967070": "Latastia", "110966162": "Lacertidae", "109354902": "Animalia", "110775394": "Chordata", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Latastia longicaudata", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Southern long-tailed lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Common Long-tailed Lizard"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110966162, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Latastia", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13207978", "genusKey": 110967070, "canonicalName": "Latastia longicaudata", "key": 110967097, "authorship": " (Reuss, 1834)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 4, "scientificName": "Latastia longicaudata (Reuss, 1834)", "genus": "Latastia", "parentKey": 110967070, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "YEM-SY"}, {"description": "YEM-NY"}, {"description": "TAN-OO"}, {"description": "SOM-OO"}, {"description": "SEN-OO"}, {"description": "NGR-OO"}, {"description": "MLI-OO"}, {"description": "KEN-OO"}, {"description": "ETH-OO"}, {"description": "CMN-OO"}, {"description": "CAF-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "DOUBTFUL", "family": "Hoplocercidae", "nubKey": 2471885, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2471885, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"3541": "Hoplocercidae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2471884": "Morunasaurus", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Morunasaurus annularis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Ringed Spinytail Iguana"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "manti\u00b4coras de anillos"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "ringed manticores"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 3541, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Morunasaurus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119587383", "genusKey": 2471884, "canonicalName": "Morunasaurus annularis", "key": 2471885, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Morunasaurus annularis O\u2019Shaughnessy, 1881", "genus": "Morunasaurus", "parentKey": 2471884, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The ringed spinytail iguana is a species of lizard native to Ecuador and the Amazon. Little is known of its lifestyle."}, {"description": "ECU-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 2451141, "speciesKey": 113423168, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113423118": "Phrynosomatidae", "113423163": "Uma", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Uma scoparia", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Mojave fringe-toed lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113423118, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Uma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "18101890", "genusKey": 113423163, "canonicalName": "Uma scoparia", "key": 113423168, "authorship": "Cope, 1894", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Uma scoparia Cope, 1894", "genus": "Uma", "parentKey": 113423163, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Mojave fringe-toed lizard (Uma scoparia), is a species of medium-sized, white or grayish, black-spotted diurnal lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. It is adapted to living in sand dunes in the Mojave Desert. It ranges from Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County in California to extreme western Arizona in La Paz County. The Mojave fringe-toed lizard is omnivorous."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Scincidae", "nubKey": 5789618, "speciesKey": 113294148, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113293878": "Scincidae", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113294111": "Plestiodon", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Plestiodon inexpectatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Southeastern five-lined skink"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113293878, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Plestiodon", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "528566", "genusKey": 113294111, "canonicalName": "Plestiodon inexpectatus", "key": 113294148, "authorship": " (Taylor, 1932)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Plestiodon inexpectatus (Taylor, 1932)", "genus": "Plestiodon", "parentKey": 113294111, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Southeastern five-lined skinks are oviparous; the clutch size varies from 6 to 12, with the number of eggs diminishing with higher latitudes. The female broods the eggs and protects them from predators, including other skinks. The hatchlings appear about one month after the eggs have been laid in early summer."}, {"description": "This skink species is easy to maintain in captivity. It has the same requirements as the common five-lined skink, although it can tolerate dryer conditions."}, {"description": "Southeastern five-lined skinks are common inhabitants of wooded areas of the southeastern United States. They are commonly found on small islands off the southeastern coast even in the absence of fresh water and vegetation."}, {"description": "The specific name, inexpectatus (\"the unexpected\"), is possibly a reference to the unexpected discovery of this species in 1932, almost 175 years after Linnaeus described Plestiodon fasciatus, commonly known as the American five-lined skink."}, {"description": "Like other skinks of the genus Plestiodon, they feed primarily on insects, preferring larger prey such as grasshoppers."}, {"description": "As their common name suggests, southeastern five-lined skinks have five characteristic narrow stripes along their bodies that become lighter with age. The middle stripe tends to be narrower than the others, and the dark areas between stripes are black in young skinks but become brown with age. A similar lizard, the common five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), is slightly smaller than the southeastern five-lined skink and has broader stripes. However, it is difficult to discriminate between these two species on the basis of physical appearance.Young southeastern five-lined skinks have a bright blue or purplish tail, especially towards the tip. Also, stripes become a bright reddish orange towards the head. Juvenile coloration may persist into adulthood, giving the head of the animal an altogether orange-brown appearance."}, {"description": "They are diurnal ground-dwelling animals."}, {"description": "The southeastern five-lined skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus) is a common skink in the southeastern United States."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xantusiidae", "nubKey": 2451726, "speciesKey": 113297287, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113297278": "Xantusiidae", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113297285": "Xantusia", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Xantusia vigilis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Desert night lizard"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113297278, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Xantusia", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "590242", "genusKey": 113297285, "canonicalName": "Xantusia vigilis", "key": 113297287, "authorship": "Baird, 1859", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Xantusia vigilis Baird, 1859", "genus": "Xantusia", "parentKey": 113297285, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Desert Night Lizard Xantusia vigilis is a night lizard native to southern California east of the Sierras and San Gabriel Mountains into Baja California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah and extreme western Arizona. Like all night lizards, the desert night lizard is viviparous, giving birth to live young and producing 1 to 3 young from August to December. The night lizard is 1\u00bd to 2\u00be\u00a0inches long with a tail roughly the same length. The lizard's coloring is usually gray, yellow-brownish or olive. Despite their name, night lizards are active during the day. They are known to easily to change their color, from light olive (usually during the evening) to dark brown during the day. It is a good climber and usually eats termites, small insects, spiders and other arthropods.It is a secretive lizard of arid and semi-arid locales. During the day it may be found under fallen debris of desert plants and in rock crevices. It is usually associated with varieties of yucca such as the Joshua Tree, Spanish Dagger, and Spanish Bayonet.Unusually for a lizard it forms family social groups with a father-mother pair and offspring, which may delay dispersing for years. The young are capable of feeding themselves but will huddle together with their relatives. They do not receive any direct care from their parents and older siblings and it is not yet known what the advantages of staying with their parents are. The baby lizards are well-camouflaged and are not much bigger than a toothpick. The Yucca Night Lizard, Xantusia vigilis vigilis, is a subspecies."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 6161396, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2459509, "rank": "SUBSPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2459508": "Diadophis", "2459509": "Diadophis punctatus", "6172": "Colubridae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Diadophis punctatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Mississippi Ringneck Snake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Mississippi Ringneck Snake"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 6172, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Diadophis punctatus", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119592319", "genusKey": 2459508, "canonicalName": "Diadophis punctatus stictogenys", "key": 6161396, "authorship": "Cope, 1860", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Diadophis punctatus stictogenys Cope, 1860", "genus": "Diadophis", "parentKey": 2459509, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Diadophis punctatus stictogenys, commonly known as the Mississippi ringneck snake, is a subspecies of Diadophis punctatus that is indigenous to the United States."}, {"description": "Like D. p. punctatus, the Mississippi ringneck snake characteristically attains a maximum length of 44.5 cm. The head is black and the body dark gray, separated by a golden ring at the neck. The ventral side displays a yellow belly, transitioning to dark orange under tail. It can be differentiated from D. p. punctatus, with which it intergrades, by its black ventral markings that present as irregular black spots or paired black spots down the middle, rather than the a single row of black spots found in D. p. punctatus."}, {"description": "These snakes prey upon small vertebrates and small invertebrates, including insects."}, {"description": "It is found in the eastern half of the United States, throughout most of the southeastern states and into the central states, including as far north as Illinois."}, {"description": "Their favored habitat is pine forests, timbered hillsides, broken fields near water, and the bottoms of ravines. They can usually be found underneath logs, stones, and ground litter near stumps and tree bases."}, {"description": "They are preyed upon by birds of prey, other snakes, and bullfrogs."}, {"description": "A female will lay a clutch of 2\u20138 eggs under rocks or moist and rotting wood. The eggs hatch after about five weeks."}, {"description": "ILL-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Rhineuridae", "nubKey": 2450968, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2450968, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2450967": "Rhineura", "44": "Chordata", "9114": "Rhineuridae", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Rhineura floridana", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Florida-Doppelschleiche"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Florida worm lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Florida Worm Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Florida Worm Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9114, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Rhineura", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119588709", "genusKey": 2450967, "canonicalName": "Rhineura floridana", "key": 2450968, "authorship": "Baird, 1858", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Rhineura floridana Baird, 1858", "genus": "Rhineura", "parentKey": 2450967, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "GEO-OO"}, {"description": "Rhineura floridana, known as the North American worm lizard, Florida worm lizard, or thunderworm, is the only member of the monotypic genus Rhineura. This species is found only in Florida no further north than the panhandle. No subspecies are currently recognized."}, {"description": "This species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (v3.1, 2001). Species are listed as such due to their wide distribution, presumed large population, or because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. The population trend is stable. Year assessed: 2007."}, {"description": "Rhineura floridana varies in length from 18\u201330\u00a0cm (7\u201312\u00a0inches). The head has a shovel-like snout that projects forward past the lower jaws, which is used for burrowing. The eyes are highly reduced and not visible externally. The limbs are absent, and in other Amphisbaenia, the body is covered by scales arranged in rings, giving the animal a worm-like appearance."}, {"description": "They are burrowers, preferring a soil sand or leaf mold substrate, and spending most of their time underground where they are safe from predators. They surface only when plowing or heavy rain forces them to evacuate their burrows. Because of the latter, they are sometimes called thunderworms. When disturbed, they retreat into their burrows tail-first. Their diets include insects and earthworms, but they are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost any invertebrate small enough to catch. Reproduction is by laying eggs (oviparous)."}, {"description": "Die Florida-Doppelschleiche lebt unterirdisch und gr\u00e4bt mit ihrem K\u00f6rper Tunnel in loser Erde oder in trockenem Sand. Sie ern\u00e4hrt sich vor allem von Regenw\u00fcrmern, Bodeninsekten wie K\u00e4ferlarven, Termiten und Ameisen sowie Spinnen."}, {"description": "Die Florida-Doppelschleiche (Rhineura floridana) ist die einzige Art der gleichnamigen Familie innerhalb der Doppelschleichen (Amphisbaenia). Sie stellt zudem die einzige Doppelschleiche dar, die im \u00f6stlichen Nordamerika anzutreffen ist, dabei ist ihr Verbreitungsgebiet auf den Norden und das zentrale Florida begrenzt."}, {"description": "Einzelnachweise Literatur Roger Conant, Joseph T. Collins: A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians. Eastern and Central North America. Peterson Field Guides, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston und New York 1998; Seiten 280\u2013281. ISBN 0-395-90452-8 Weblinks Kategorie:Doppelschleichen"}, {"description": "Die Florida-Doppelschleiche wird von der IUCN als nicht gef\u00e4hrdet (\u201eLeast Concern\u201c) eingestuft. Diese Einsch\u00e4tzung erfolgt aufgrund des relativ gro\u00dfen Verbreitungsgebietes der Art, der Unempfindlichkeit gegen\u00fcber \u00f6kologischen Ver\u00e4nderungen sowie aufgrund der hohen gesch\u00e4tzten Population."}, {"description": "Die Florida-Doppelschleiche erreicht eine K\u00f6rperl\u00e4nge von durchschnittlich 18 bis 28 Zentimeter und kann maximal bis etwa 41 Zentimeter lang werden. Wie alle Doppelschleichen ist sie schlangenf\u00f6rmig und besitzt keine Beine. Der K\u00f6rper ist von gleichm\u00e4\u00dfigen, rechteckigen K\u00f6rperschuppen besetzt, die parallel angeordnet sind und dem Tier eine segmentierte Erscheinung verleihen. Die F\u00e4rbung ist gleichm\u00e4\u00dfig fleischfarben.Der kleine Kopf ist durch eine leichte Furche von K\u00f6rper abgesetzt und deutlich erkennbar mit gr\u00f6\u00dferen Kopfschuppen bedeckt. Sowohl der Kopf als auch das Hinterende sind spitz zulaufend. Der Unterkiefer verschwindet bei geschlossenem Maul im Oberkiefer und erleichtert so das Graben. \u00c4u\u00dfere Ohr\u00f6ffnungen existieren nicht, au\u00dferdem sind die Augen bei vielen Individuen zwar angelegt aber nicht ausgebildet. Die Oberseite des sehr kurzen Schwanzes ist leicht abgeflacht und mit vielen kleinen Tuberkeln besetzt.Durch den segmentiert erscheinenden K\u00f6rper sowie die F\u00e4rbung kann die Doppelschleiche bei fl\u00fcchtiger Betrachtung mit einem Regenwurm verwechselt werden."}, {"description": "Diese Art bildet seit 2003 die monotypische Familie Rhineuridae innerhalb der Doppelschleichen, bis zu dem Zeitpunkt wurde sie als Art innerhalb der Eigentlichen Doppelschleichen (Amphisbaenidae) betrachtet. Diese Ansicht wurde 2004 durch molekulare Daten best\u00e4tigt,J. Robert Maceya, Theodore J. Papenfussb, Jennifer V. Kuehla, H. Mathew Fourcadea, Jeffrey L. Boore: Phylogenetic relationships among amphisbaenian reptiles based on complete mitochondrial genomic sequences. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 33 (1), 2004; Seiten 22\u201331 (Abstract) zudem wurde die Art als urspr\u00fcnglichste aller Doppelschleichen allen anderen als Schwesterart gegen\u00fcbergestellt."}, {"description": "Die Florida-Doppelschleiche kommt ausschlie\u00dflich in Nord- und Zentralflorida vor. Dabei konnte festgestellt werden, dass sich die n\u00f6rdlichen Populationen von den s\u00fcdlichen genetisch relativ stark unterscheiden und es innerhalb der s\u00fcdlichen Populationen ebenfalls gr\u00f6\u00dfere genetische Unterschiede gibt. Dadurch gilt als gesichert, dass es nur wenig genetischen Austausch zwischen den einzelnen Regionen des Verbreitungsgebietes gibt."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 5222413, "speciesKey": 113435302, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113434937, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113435295": "Phrynosomatidae", "113435297": "Phrynosoma", "113434937": "Squamata", "113434208": "Sauropsida", "113301736": "Chordata"}, "species": "Phrynosoma cornutum", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Texas horned lizard"}], "classKey": 113434208, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113435295, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phrynosoma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "1310954", "genusKey": 113435297, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma cornutum", "key": 113435302, "authorship": " (Harlan, 1825)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Sauropsida", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma cornutum (Harlan, 1825)", "genus": "Phrynosoma", "parentKey": 113435297, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Despite its fierce appearance, Texas horned lizards are extremely docile creatures. Since they have very few natural predators, they are not at all aggressive, and will never bite. Captured horned lizards will lie completely limp in a human's hand or pocket, playing dead, so they made excellent pets before they were threatened. Today, it is illegal to disturb or keep a horned lizard without a state permit.The Texas horned lizard is a sunbather, and requires bright sunlight to produce vitamin D. Deprived of sunlight, the animal will be unable to produce vitamin D and will suffer from vitamin deficiency. For this reason horned lizards are most often found along the side of roads or other open, rocky areas, where they can lounge and take in sunlight.At night, the lizard buries itself in sand.John F Breen, \"Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians.\" T.F.H.Otherwise, horned lizards are most often found near harvester ant hills. Although they prefer to move very little, horned lizards can move quite fast if they feel there is a predator in the area, and will dart into thick grass and foliage to escape. Horned lizards are also excellent diggers, and can quickly burrow underground to escape threats."}, {"description": "The Texas horned lizard is the state reptile of Texas and, as the \"horned frog\", is the mascot of Texas Christian University."}, {"description": "Some Native American peoples regard horned lizards as sacred. The animal is a common motif in the art of many Native Americans in the Southwestern U.S. and in Mexico."}, {"description": "Research aimed at preservation has revealed the Texas horned lizard is extremely genetically diverse, and isolated pockets of genetically distinct subspecies have been found throughout Texas. Though each of these subspecies is physically identical to all other subspecies, it is likely that they are specifically adapted for the region in which they are found. This makes it difficult to know how one subspecies would survive if it were reintroduced into a new area. The most numerous and widespread subspecies of Texas horned lizard is found in the Panhandle region of Texas. Other distinct subspecies have been identified in East Texas, the Hill Country, and along the coastline. It is not known whether these subspecies can reproduce with one another over the long term, making preservation of all of the subspecies even more crucial to the animals' preservation. It is also unknown whether any of these subspecies will show a particular resistance to the pesticides and fire ants threatening them."}, {"description": "The horned lizard is popularly called a \"horned toad\", \"horny toad\", or \"horned frog\", but it is neither a toad nor a frog. The popular names come from the lizard's rounded body and blunt snout, which give it a decidedly batrachian appearance. Phrynosoma literally means \"toad-bodied,\" and cornutum means \"horned\". The lizard's horns are extensions of its cranium and contain true bone."}, {"description": "About 70% of the Texas horned lizard's diet is made up of harvester ants, though they supplement these with termites, beetles, and grasshoppers. In recent years, the Texas horned lizard has declined by about 30% of its range, though there is some indication it may be making a comeback. The decline is usually blamed on overuse of pesticides and the spread of nonnative, but highly aggressive and fiercely territorial, red imported fire ants. Both eradicate harvester ant colonies, destroying the horned lizard's principal source of food. The Texas horned lizard is now a protected species, and it is illegal to take, possess, transport or sell them without a special permit."}, {"description": "The Texas horned lizard is the largest-bodied and most widely distributed of the approximately 14 species of horned lizards in the western United States and Mexico. The length of an average Texas horned lizard is 69 mm snout-vent length, however the upper boundary for males is 94 mm and for females it is 114 mm."}, {"description": "The Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) is one of about 14 North American species of spikey-bodied reptiles called horned lizards. P. cornutum ranges from Colorado and Kansas to northern Mexico (in the Sonoran desert), and from southeastern Arizona to Texas. There are also isolated, introduced populations in the Carolinas, Georgia, and northern Florida. Texas horned lizards may also be native to Louisiana and Arkansas."}, {"description": "Although its coloration generally serves as camouflage against predation, when threatened by a predator, a horned lizard will puff up and become very fat, which causes its body scales to protrude, making it difficult to swallow. The Texas horned lizard, along with at least three other species of the genus Phrynosoma, also has the ability to squirt an aimed stream of blood from the corners of the eyes and sometimes from its mouth for a distance of up to 5 ft. This not only confuses would-be predators, but also the blood is mixed with a chemical that is foul-tasting to canine predators such as wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs. This novel behaviour is observed to be very effective in defense."}, {"description": "Horned lizards are primarily studied by researchers at TCU and the nearby Fort Worth Zoo, with raw data and fieldwork done by state employees. Further research toward the preservation of horned lizards is funded by sale of horned lizard \"Keep Texas Wild\" license plates.https://rts.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdotrts/SpecialPlateOrderServlet?grpid=60&pltid=108"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Leptotyphlopidae", "nubKey": 5221748, "speciesKey": 104102386, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 104072682, "higherClassificationMap": {"103882489": "Chordata", "104072682": "Squamata", "103832354": "Metazoa", "104102222": "Leptotyphlopidae", "104102375": "Rena"}, "species": "Rena dulcis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Texas blind snake"}], "habitats": [], "familyKey": 104102222, "kingdom": "Metazoa", "parent": "Rena", "kingdomKey": 103832354, "taxonID": "711329", "genusKey": 104102375, "canonicalName": "Rena dulcis", "key": 104102386, "authorship": "", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 103882489, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "fab88965-e69d-4491-a04d-e3198b626e52", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Rena dulcis", "genus": "Rena", "parentKey": 104102375, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Elapidae", "nubKey": 2470411, "speciesKey": 113420212, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113419930": "Elapidae", "113420168": "Naja", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Naja haje", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Egyptian cobra"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113419930, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Naja", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "14572625", "genusKey": 113420168, "canonicalName": "Naja haje", "key": 113420212, "authorship": " (Linnaeus, 1758)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Naja haje (Linnaeus, 1758)", "genus": "Naja", "parentKey": 113420168, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The venom of the Egyptian cobra consists mainly of neurotoxins and cytotoxins. The average venom yield is 175 to 300\u00a0mg in a single bite, and the murine subcutaneous value is 1.15\u00a0mg/kg. The venom affects the nervous system, stopping the nerve signals from being transmitted to the muscles and at later stages stopping those transmitted to the heart and lungs as well, causing death due to complete respiratory failure. Envenomation causes local pain, severe swelling, bruising, blistering, necrosis and variable non-specific effects which may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, collapse or convulsions along with possible moderate to severe flaccid paralysis. Unlike some other African cobras (for example the Red spitting cobra), this species does not spit venom.Bogert, C.M. (1943) Dentitional phenomena in cobras and other elapids with notes on adaptive modifications of fangs. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, 81, 285\u2013360."}, {"description": "The specific name haje is the transliteration of Arabic \u062d\u064a\u0629 which is the word for snake or viper. The snouted cobra (Naja annulifera) and Anchieta's cobra (Naja anchietae) were formerly regarded as subspecies of Naja haje, but have since been shown to be distinct species.Broadley, D.G. (1995) The snouted cobra, Naja annulifera, a valid species in southern Africa. Journal of the Herpetological Association of Africa, 44, 26\u201332.Broadley, D.G. & W\u00fcster, W. (2004) A review of the southern African \u2018non-spitting\u2019 cobras (Serpentes: Elapidae: Naja). African Journal of Herpetology, 53, 101\u2013122. The Arabian populations were long recognised as a separate subspecies, Naja haje arabica, and the black populations from Morocco sometimes as Naja haje legionis. A recent studyTrape, J.-F., L. Chirio, D.G. Broadley & W. W\u00fcster (2009) Phylogeography and systematic revision of the Egyptian cobra (Serpentes: Elapidae: Naja haje) species complex, with the description of a new species from West Africa. Zootaxa 2236: 1-25. found that the Arabian cobra constitutes a separate species, Naja arabica, whereas the subspecies legionis was synonymised with N. haje. The same study also identified the West African savanna populations as a separate species and described it as Naja senegalensis."}, {"description": "In Ancient Egyptian culture and historyThe Egyptian cobra was represented in Egyptian mythology by the cobra-headed goddess Meretseger. A stylised Egyptian Cobra \u2014 in the form of the uraeus representing the goddess Wadjet \u2014 was the symbol of sovereignty for the Pharaohs who incorporated it into their diadem. This iconography was continued through the Ptolemaic Kingdom (305 BC\u201330 BC).Most ancient sources say that Cleopatra and her two attendants committed suicide by being bitten by an aspis, which translates into English as \"asp\". The snake was reportedly smuggled into her room in a basket of figs. Plutarch wrote that she performed experiments on condemned prisoners and found aspis venom to be the most painless of all fatal poisons.Plutarch Parallel Lives, \"Life of Antony\" This \"aspis\" was probably Naja haje (the Egyptian cobra). However, the accounts of her apparent suicide have been questioned, since death from this snake's venom is relatively slow and it can cause damage to the tissue sometimes, and the snake is large, so it would be hard to conceal.Richard Girling Cleopatra and the asp The Times November 28, 2004 As a petThe Egyptian cobra garnered increased attention in Canada in the fall of 2006 when a pet cobra became loose and forced the evacuation of a house in Toronto for more than six months when it was believed to have sought refuge in the home's walls. The owner was fined $17,000 and sentenced to jail."}, {"description": "They occur in a wide variety of habitats like, steppes, dry to moist savannas, arid semi-desert regions with some water and vegetation. This species is frequently found near water. The Egyptian cobra is also found in agricultural fields and scrub vegetation. These cobras do also occur in the presence of humans where they often enter houses. They are attracted to the human villages by chickens and rats that are attracted by garbage. There are also notes of Egyptian cobras swimming in the Mediterranean sea, so they seem to like water where they have been found quite often."}, {"description": "Naja haje was first described by Swedish zoologist Carolus Linnaeus in 1758. The generic name naja is a Latinisation of the Sanskrit word ' () meaning \"cobra\". The specific epithet haje is derived from the Arabic word hayya (\u062d\u064a\u0629) which literally means small \"snake\"-according to the Quran or \"viper\"."}, {"description": "The Egyptian cobra ranges across most of North Africa north of the Sahara, across the savannas of West Africa to the south of the Sahara, south to the Congo basin and east to Kenya and Tanzania, and in southern parts of the Arabian Peninsula. In zoosThe Egyptian cobra can also be found in captivity at zoos both in and outside of the snake\u2019s natural range. The Giza Zoo and the San Diego Zoo as well as the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach, VA include the Egyptian Cobra in their reptile collection. Bronx Zoo escapeOn March 26, 2011, the Bronx Zoo informed the public that their reptile house was closed after a venomous adolescent female Banded Egyptian cobra was discovered missing from its off-exhibit enclosure on March 25. The Cobra is actually a Banded Snouted cobra, N. annulifera, formerly considered conspecific to the Egyptian Cobra. Zoo officials were confident the missing cobra would be found in the building and not outside, since the Egyptian cobra is known to be uncomfortable in open areas. The snake's metabolism would also have been impacted by the cold weather outdoors at that time in the Bronx. The cobra was found in a dark corner of the zoo's reptile house on March 31, 2011, in good health. After a contest, she was named \"Mia\" for \"missing in action.\""}, {"description": "The Egyptian cobra is one of the largest cobras of the African continent. The head is large and depressed and slightly distinct from the neck. The neck of this species has long cervical ribs capable of expanding to form a hood, like all other cobras. The snout of the Egyptian cobra is moderately broad and rounded. The eyes are quite big with round pupils. The body of the Egyptian cobra is cylindrical and stout with a long tail. The length of the Egyptian cobra is largely dependent on subspecies, geographical locale, and population. The average length of this species is between 1 and in length, with a maximum length of just under 3 m. The most recognizable characteristics of this species are its head and hood. The colour is highly variable, but most specimens are some shade of brown, often with lighter or darker mottling, and often a \"tear-drop\" mark below the eye. Some are more copper-red or grey-brown in colour. Specimens from northwestern Africa (Morocco, western Sahara) are almost entirely black. The ventral side is mostly a creamy white, yellow brown, grayish, blue grey, dark brown or black in colouration, often with dark spots. ScalationDorsal scales on the midbody 19-20, ventral scales 191-220, subcaudal scale is paired, subcaudal scales 53-65, anal plate is single, upper labials 6, upper labials to the eye 3+4, preoculairs 1, postoculairs 3 (but can also be 2), suboculairs 2\u20133, supralabials 7 (rarely 6 or 8), lower labials 8, temporal 1+2/1+3 varying."}, {"description": "The Egyptian cobra is terrestrial and crepuscular or nocturnal species. It can however, be seen basking in the sun at times in the early morning. This species shows a preference for a permanent home base in abandoned animal burrows, termite mounds or rock outcrops. It is an active forager sometimes entering human habitations, especially when hunting domestic fowl. Like other cobra species, it generally attempts to escape when approached, at least for a few metres, but if threatened it assumes the typical upright posture with the hood expanded and strikes. This species prefers to eat toads, but it will prey on small mammals, birds, eggs, lizards and other snakes."}, {"description": "The Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) is a species of cobra found in Africa. It is one of the largest cobra species native to Africa (second to the forest cobra [Naja melanoleuca]."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Uropeltidae", "nubKey": 2448796, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110981162, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110980989": "Uropeltidae", "110943848": "Reptilia", "109354902": "Animalia", "110981072": "Uropeltis", "110775394": "Chordata", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Uropeltis woodmasoni", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Woodmason's Earth Snake"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110980989, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Uropeltis", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13203410", "genusKey": 110981072, "canonicalName": "Uropeltis woodmasoni", "key": 110981162, "authorship": "Theobald, 1876", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Uropeltis woodmasoni Theobald, 1876", "genus": "Uropeltis", "parentKey": 110981072, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "IND-TN"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Boidae", "nubKey": 2465262, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110946943, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "109354902": "Animalia", "110775394": "Chordata", "110946889": "Boidae", "110946942": "Calabaria", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Calabaria reinhardtii", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "African Burrowing Python"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Calabar Ground Python"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Erdpython"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110946889, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Calabaria", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13206561", "genusKey": 110946942, "canonicalName": "Calabaria reinhardtii", "key": 110946943, "authorship": " (Schlegel, 1848)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Calabaria reinhardtii (Schlegel, 1848)", "genus": "Calabaria", "parentKey": 110946942, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "TOG-OO"}, {"description": "SIE-OO"}, {"description": "NGA-OO"}, {"description": "LBR-OO"}, {"description": "IVO-OO"}, {"description": "GHA-OO"}, {"description": "GAB-OO"}, {"description": "CON-OO"}, {"description": "CMN-OO"}, {"description": "CAF-OO"}, {"description": "BEN-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Aniliidae", "nubKey": 2451673, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2451673, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2451672": "Anilius", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "5676": "Aniliidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Anilius scytale", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "Korallenrollschlange"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "South American red pipe snake"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "false coral snake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Coral Cylinder Snakes"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Korallen-Rollschlange"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Aniliidae"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Red Pipe Snake"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5676, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Anilius", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119582856", "genusKey": 2451672, "canonicalName": "Anilius scytale", "key": 2451673, "authorship": "Linnaeus, 1758", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 2, "scientificName": "Anilius scytale Linnaeus, 1758", "genus": "Anilius", "parentKey": 2451672, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "BOL-OO"}, {"description": "CLM-OO"}, {"description": "ECU-OO"}, {"description": "FRG-OO"}, {"description": "PER-OO"}, {"description": "VEN-OO"}, {"description": "The Aniliidae are a monotypic family created for the monotypic genus Anilius that contains the single species A.\u00a0scytale. Common names include false coral snake and pipe snake. It is found in South America. This snake possesses a vestigial pelvic girdle that is visible as a pair of cloacal spurs. It is ovoviviparous. Its diet consists mainly of amphibians and other reptiles. Currently, two subspecies are recognized, including the typical form described here."}, {"description": "This species is found in Amazonian South America, the Guianas, and Trinidad and Tobago. It is a moderate-sized snake attaining a size of about 70\u00a0cm (27\u00a0in) in length. It is reported to be ovoviviparous and feeds on beetles, caecilians (burrowing amphibians), amphisbaenids (legless lizards), small fossorial snakes, fish, and frogs. It has a cylindrical body of uniform diameter and a very short tail; it is brightly banded in red and black (but without yellow bands); reduced eyes lie beneath large head scales. It is considered to be the snake that most resembles the original and ancestral snake condition, such as a lizard-like skull .Evolution \u2013 snake"}, {"description": "They are found in the tropics of northern South America from southern and eastern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana south through the Amazon Basin of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. The type locality given is \"Indiis\"."}, {"description": "Subspecies Taxon author Common name Geographic range A. s. phelpsorum Roze, 1958 A. s. scytale (Linnaeus, 1758)"}, {"description": "Modern classifications restrict the family to the South American red pipe snake or false coral snake Anilius scytale, with the previously included Asian genus Cylindrophis raised to a separate family, Cylindrophiidae. Anilius is not closely related to Asian pipesnakes. Instead, its closest relatives appear to be the Neotropical Trophidophiidae.Pyron, R.A., Burbrink, F.T., Wiens, J.J., 2013. A phylogeny and revised classification of Squamata, including 4161 species of lizards and snakes. BMC evolutionary biology 13, 93."}, {"description": "\u201eKrokodilkaiman und Korallenrollschlange.\u201c Kolorierter Kupferstich von Maria Sibylla Merian aus Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, Bildtafel LXX.Die Korallenrollschlange (Anilius scytale) ist die einzige Art der Familie der Rollschlangen (Aniliidae). Sie kommt in S\u00fcdamerika auf Trinidad und im Amazonasgebiet in zwei Unterarten (A. s. scytale und A. s. phelpsorum) vor. Sie besiedelt tropische Regenw\u00e4lder und Kulturland.Die Stellung der Rollschlangen innerhalb der Schlangen ist noch nicht abschlie\u00dfend gekl\u00e4rt. Fr\u00fcher wurden sie in die ehemalige \u00dcberfamilie der Riesenschlangenartigen gestellt. Diese wurde aber auf Grund von genetischen Untersuchungen aufgespalten, wobei die gr\u00f6\u00dften Gruppen die Boas und die Pythons darstellen. Im Vergleich zu diesen sind die Rollschlangen n\u00e4her mit der \u00dcberfamilie der Blindschlangenartigen (Typhlopoidea) verwandt, die nicht zu den Riesenschlangenartigen gerechnet wurde."}, {"description": "Aufgrund der grabenden Lebensweise der Korallenrollschlangen ist \u00fcber ihr Verhalten nur wenig bekannt. Als Beutetiere dienen an der Oberfl\u00e4che gefangene Amphibien, Echsen und kleine Schlangen, sowie m\u00f6glicherweise Insekten und Fische. Die Tiere sind ovovivipar und geb\u00e4ren 6 bis 15 lebende Junge."}, {"description": "Korallenrollschlangen sind mittelgro\u00dfe Schlangen mit zylindrischem K\u00f6rper, kurzem Schwanz und kaum vom Hals abgesetztem, abgeflachtem Kopf. Die Sch\u00e4delknochen sind in Anpassung an eine grabende Lebensweise verwachsen oder verst\u00e4rkt, Z\u00e4hne sitzen am Zwischenkiefer, Oberkiefer, Gaumenbein, Fl\u00fcgelbein und am Unterkiefer. Die Tiere sind in der Grundf\u00e4rbung kr\u00e4ftig rot mit wei\u00dflichem Bauch, schwarzen Schuppenspitzen und zahlreichen, unregelm\u00e4\u00dfigen schwarzen B\u00e4ndern, die sich vollst\u00e4ndig \u00fcber R\u00fccken und Bauch ziehen. Sie \u00e4hnelt damit den hochgiftigen Korallenottern, was aufgrund des vermuteten h\u00f6heren evolution\u00e4ren Alters der Art aber wahrscheinlich kein Mimikry darstellt. Sie erreicht eine L\u00e4nge von 60 bis 90 cm.Die Nominatform weist 248 Bauchschilde und 12 Schwanzschilde auf. In der K\u00f6rpermitte sind die R\u00fcckenschuppen in 21 Reihen angeordnet. Alle Schuppen sind glatt.Die Tiere besitzen Aftersporne \u00e4hnlich denen anderer urspr\u00fcnglicher Schlangen wie den Python- und Boaartigen."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Iguanidae", "nubKey": 2459646, "speciesKey": 113435176, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113434937, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113435174": "Dipsosaurus", "113434937": "Squamata", "113434208": "Sauropsida", "113301736": "Chordata", "113435118": "Iguanidae"}, "species": "Dipsosaurus dorsalis", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Desert iguana"}], "classKey": 113434208, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113435118, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Dipsosaurus", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "1482443", "genusKey": 113435174, "canonicalName": "Dipsosaurus dorsalis", "key": 113435176, "authorship": ", 1852 (Baird & Girard)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Sauropsida", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Dipsosaurus dorsalis (Baird and Girard), 1852", "genus": "Dipsosaurus", "parentKey": 113435174, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The species was first described in the Catalog of North American Reptiles, by Spencer Fullerton Baird and Charles Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Girard, in 1859 as Crotaphytus dorsalis it was reclassified two years later as Dipsosaurus dorsalis by Edward Hallowell.Baird, S. F. and Girard, C. (1852). Characteristics of some new reptiles in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, part 2. Proceedings at the Academy of Natural Science, Philadelphia. 6: 125-129 The generic name comes from a combination of two Greek words meaning \"hungry lizard\": \"Dipsa\" (\u03b4\u03af\u03c8\u03b1) for \"thirsty\", and \"sauros\" (\u03c3\u03b1\u1fe6\u03c1\u03bf\u03c2) for \"lizard\". The specific name, \"dorsalis\", comes from the Latin word dorsum meaning \"spike\", in reference to a row of enlarged keeled scales on the middle of the lizard's back which form a crest that extends almost to the tip of its vent. Dipsosaurus is a monotypic genus with D. dorsalis being its only recognized species."}, {"description": "Their preferred habitat is largely contained within the range of the creosote bush, mainly dry, sandy desert scrubland below 3300 ft. It can also be found in rocky streambeds up to 3300\u00a0ft. In the southern portion of its range this lizard lives in areas of arid subtropical scrub and tropical deciduous forest.These lizards can withstand high temperatures and are out and about after other lizards have retreated into their burrows. They burrow extensively, and will often climb into shrubs for shelter and defense. Their burrows are usually constructed in the mounds of sand that accumulate around the bases of bushes like the creosote. They also often use ready-made burrows of kit foxes and desert tortoises."}, {"description": "Mating takes place in the early spring. It is believed that only one clutch of eggs is laid each year, with each clutch having 3-8 eggs.Lemm, Jeffrey.(2006) Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of the San Diego Region (California Natural History Guides). University of California Press. The hatchlings emerge around September.Desert iguanas are primarily herbivorous, eating buds, fruits and leaves of many annual and perennial plants. They are especially attracted to the yellow flowers of the creosote bush. Predators of these iguanas and their eggs are birds of prey, foxes, rats, long-tailed weasels, some snakes, and humans."}, {"description": "The desert iguana is a blunt, medium-sized lizard which grows to 24 in including the tail. They are pale gray-tan to cream in color with a light brown reticulated pattern on their backs and sides. Down the center of the back is a row of slightly-enlarged, keeled dorsal scales that become slightly larger as you move down the back. The reticulated pattern gives way to brown spots near the back legs, turning into stripes along the tail. The tail is usually around 1\u00bd times longer than the body from snout to vent. The belly is pale. During the breeding season, the sides become pinkish in both sexes."}, {"description": "The desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) is one of the most common lizards of the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They also occur on several Gulf of California islands. Their color is mostly grey and green."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Helodermatidae", "nubKey": 2460817, "speciesKey": 113421685, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113421678": "Heloderma", "113421676": "Helodermatidae", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Heloderma suspectum", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Gila monster"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113421676, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Heloderma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "18952991", "genusKey": 113421678, "canonicalName": "Heloderma suspectum", "key": 113421685, "authorship": "Cope, 1869", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Heloderma suspectum Cope, 1869", "genus": "Heloderma", "parentKey": 113421678, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Pioneer beliefs In the Old West, the pioneers believed a number of myths about the Gila monster, including that the lizard had foul or toxic breath and that its bite is fatal. The Tombstone Epitaph of Tombstone, Arizona, wrote about a Gila monster that a local person caught on May 14, 1881: On May 8, 1890, southeast of Tucson, Arizona Territory, Empire Ranch owner Walter Vail captured and thought he had killed a Gila monster. He tied it to his saddle and it bit the middle finger of his right hand and wouldn't let go. A ranch hand pried open the lizard's mouth with a pocketknife, cut open his finger to stimulate bleeding, and then tied saddle strings around his finger and wrist. They summoned Dr. John C. Handy of Tucson, who took Vail back to Tucson for treatment, but Vail experienced swollen and bleeding glands in his throat for sometime afterward.Dr. Handy's friend, Dr. George Goodfellow of Tombstone, was among the first to research the actual effects of Gila monster venom. Scientific American reported in 1890 that \"The breath is very fetid, and its odor can be detected at some little distance from the lizard. It is supposed that this is one way in which the monster catches the insects and small animals which form a part of its food supply\u2014the foul gas overcoming them.\" Goodfellow offered to pay local residents $5.00 for Gila monster specimens. He bought several and collected more on his own. In 1891 he purposefully provoked one of his captive lizards into biting him on his finger. The bite made him ill and he spent the next five days in bed, but he completely recovered. When Scientific American ran another ill-founded report on the lizard's ability to kill people, he wrote in reply and described his own studies and personal experience. He wrote that he knew several people who had been bitten by Gila monsters but had not died from the bite.Goodfellow published articles about rattlesnake and Gila monster bites in Scientific American and Southern California Practitioner. Venom production The Gila monster produces venom in modified salivary glands in its lower jaw, unlike snakes, whose venom is produced in the upper jaw. The Gila monster lacks the musculature to forcibly inject the venom; instead, the venom is propelled from the gland to the tooth by chewing. Capillary action brings the venom out of the tooth and into the victim. The teeth are loosely anchored, which allows them to be broken off and replaced throughout life. Gila monsters have been observed to flip over while biting the victim, presumably to aid the flow of the venom into the wound. Because the Gila monster's prey consists mainly of eggs, small animals, and otherwise \"helpless\" prey, the Gila monster's venom is thought to have evolved for defensive rather than for hunting use. A defensive use would explain the Gila monster's bright warning coloration. Toxicity Although the venom is a neurotoxin as toxic as that of a coral snake, H. suspectum produces only small amounts. The Gila monster's bite is not fatal to healthy adult humans.http://www.historynet.com/the-gila-monster-had-a-killer-reputation.htm Accessed Nov 17, 2014: \"Although the Gila monster's bite is extremely painful, none have resulted in a verifiable human fatality to a healthy person.\" No reports of fatalities have been confirmed after 1939, and those recorded prior to that year are possibly iatrogenic, or resulting from attempts to treat the bite itself. The Gila monster can bite quickly (especially by swinging its head sideways) and hold on tenaciously and painfully. If bitten, the victim may need to fully submerge the attacking lizard in water to break free from its bite. Symptoms of the bite include excruciating pain, edema, and weakness associated with a rapid drop in blood pressure.More than a dozen peptides and other substances have been isolated from the Gila monster's venom, including hyaluronidase, serotonin, phospholipase A2, and several kallikrein-like glycoproteins responsible for the pain and edema caused by a bite. Four potentially lethal toxins have been isolated from the Gila monster's venom, including horridum venom, which causes hemorrhage in internal organs and exophthalmos (bulging of the eyes)[1], and helothermine, which causes lethargy, partial paralysis of the limbs, and hypothermia in rats. Most are similar in form to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), which relaxes smooth muscle and regulates water and electrolyte secretion between the small and large intestines. These bioactive peptides are able to bind to VIP receptors in many different human tissues. One of these, helodermin, has been shown to inhibit the growth of lung cancer.The constituents of the lizard's venom that have received the most attention from researchers are the bioactive peptides, including helodermin, helospectin, exendin-3, and exendin-4. Exendin-4 has formed the basis of a class of medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, known as Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists. Exenatide was the first product in the class to reach the market and was launched in 2005. Drug research In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the drug exenatide (marketed as Byetta) for the management of type 2 diabetes. It is a synthetic version of a protein, exendin-4, derived from the Gila monster's saliva. In a three-year study with people with type 2 diabetes, exenatide led to healthy sustained glucose levels and progressive weight loss. The effectiveness is because the lizard protein is about 50% identical to glucagon-like peptide-1 analog (GLP-1), a hormone released from the human digestive tract that helps to regulate insulin and glucagon. The lizard protein remains effective much longer than the human hormone, helping diabetics keep their blood sugar levels under control. Exenatide slows the emptying of the stomach and causes a decrease in appetite, contributing to weight loss. The saliva of the Gila monster contains many chemicals which can be deadly. One of these has been shown to affect memory. Several companies have been researching the abilities of this chemical to help memory loss due to various diseases such as Alzheimer\u2019s, schizophrenia, and ADHD. Gilatide, derived from exendin-4, has been shown to dramatically heighten memory in a study with mice. Gilatide is likely to be researched further to provide help to Alzheimer\u2019s patients."}, {"description": "The Gila monster emerges from hibernation in January or February and mates in May and June. The male initiates courtship by flicking his tongue to search for the female's scent. If the female rejects his advances, she will bite him and crawl away. When successful, copulation has been observed to last from 15 minutes to as long as two and a half hours. The female lays eggs in July or August, burying them in sand 5 in below the surface. The clutch consists of two to 12 eggs: five is the average. The incubation lasts nine months, as the hatchlings emerge during April through June the following year. The hatchlings are about 16 cm long and can bite and inject venom upon hatching. The juveniles typically have larger bands of pink scales than adults, although the banded Gila monster (H. s. cinctum) has a tendency to retain the band pattern. H. suspectum sexually matures at three to five years old. After egg-laying, adult Gila monsters gradually spend less time on the surface to avoid the hottest part of the summer (although they may be active in the evening), eventually starting their hibernation around November.Little is known about the social behavior of H. suspectum, but they have been observed engaging in male-male combat, in which the dominant male lies on top of the subordinate one and pins it with its front and hind limbs. Both lizards arch their bodies, pushing against each other and twisting around in an effort to gain the dominant position. A wrestling match ends when the pressure exerted forces them to separate, although bouts may be repeated one after the other. These bouts are typically observed just before the mating season. Those with greater strength and endurance are thought to win more often and enjoy greater reproductive success. Although the Gila monster has a low metabolism and one of the lowest lizard sprint speeds, it has one of the highest aerobic scope values (the increase in oxygen consumption from rest to maximum metabolic exertion) among lizards, allowing them to engage in intense aerobic activity for a sustained period of time. Males have been observed to have higher aerobic scopes than females, presumably because of sexual selection for a trait advantageous in prolonged combat. The Gila monster may live up to 20 years in the wild, or 30 in captivity."}, {"description": "Gila monsters spend 90% of their time underground in burrows or rocky shelters. They are active in the morning during the dry season (spring and early summer); later in the summer, they may be active on warm nights or after a thunderstorm. They maintain a surface body temperature of about 30 C. Gila monsters are slow in sprinting ability, but they have relatively high endurance and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max) for a lizard. They are preyed upon by coyotes and raptors. Diet The Gila monster eats small birds, mammals, frogs, lizards, insects, and carrion. The Gila monster feeds primarily on bird and reptile eggs, and eats infrequently (only five to ten times a year in the wild), but when it does feed, it may eat up to one-third of its body mass. It uses its extremely acute sense of smell to locate prey, especially eggs. Its sense of smell is so keen, it can locate and dig up chicken eggs buried 15 cm deep and accurately follow a trail made by rolling an egg.Prey may be crushed to death if large or eaten alive if small, swallowed head-first, and helped down by muscular contractions and neck flexing. Unusually, after food has been swallowed, the Gila monster immediately resumes tongue flicking and search behavior, probably as a result of a history of finding clumped prey such as eggs and young in nests. Gila monsters are able to climb trees and cacti in search of eggs."}, {"description": "The Gila monster is found in the Southwestern United States and Mexico, a range including Sonora, Arizona, parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico (but not Baja California). They inhabit scrubland, succulent desert, and oak woodland, seeking shelter in burrows, thickets, and under rocks in locations with ready access to moisture. In fact, Gila monsters seem to like water and can be observed immersing themselves in puddles of water after a summer rain. They avoid living in open areas such as flats and farmland."}, {"description": "The two subspecies of Gila monster are the reticulated Gila monster (H. s. suspectum) and the banded Gila monster (H. s. cinctum). The reticulated Gila monster lives in the southern region of the Gila monster's range, while the banded Gila monster is a northern subspecies occurring primarily in the Mojave Desert. The reticulated Gila monster tends to have its lighter markings broken up by dark scales, giving it a reticulated pattern, while the banded Gila monster generally has more unbroken bands of lighter scales. In this species, the largest extant lizard native to North America north of the Mexican border (non-natives like green iguanas are larger), snout-to-vent length is from 26 to. The tail is about 20% of the body size and the largest specimens may reach 51 to in total length. Body mass is typically in the range of 350 to, with 11 males having been found to average 468 g. Reportedly, the very heaviest, largest specimens can weigh as much as 2300 g.Christel, C. M., DeNardo, D. F., & Secor, S. M. (2007). Metabolic and digestive response to food ingestion in a binge-feeding lizard, the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum). Journal of Experimental Biology, 210(19), 3430-3439.Davis, J. R., & DeNardo, D. F. (2010). Seasonal patterns of body condition, hydration state, and activity of Gila monsters (Heloderma suspectum) at a Sonoran Desert site. Journal of Herpetology, 44(1), 83-93.Beck, D. D. (2005). Biology of Gila monsters and beaded lizards (Vol. 9). University of California Press.The Gila monster has one close living relative, the beaded lizard (H. horridum), as well as many extinct relatives in the Helodermatidae, the evolutionary history of which may be traced back to the Cretaceous period. The genus Heloderma has existed since the Miocene, when H. texana lived, and fragments of osteoderms from the Gila monster have been found in late Pleistocene (10,000\u20138,000 years ago) deposits near Las Vegas, Nevada. Because the helodermatids have remained relatively unchanged morphologically, they are occasionally regarded as living fossils. Although the Gila monster appears closely related to the monitor lizards (varanids) of Africa, Asia and Australia, their wide geographical separation and the unique features not found in the varanids indicate the Gila monster is better placed in a separate family.The name \"Gila\" refers to the Gila River Basin in Arizona, where the Gila monster was once plentiful. Heloderma means \"studded skin\", from the Ancient Greek words helos (\u03b7\u03bb\u03bf\u03c2), \"the head of a nail or stud\", and derma (\u03b4\u03b5\u03c1\u03bc\u03b1), \"skin\". Suspectum comes from the describer, paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope, who suspected the lizard might be venomous due to the grooves in the teeth."}, {"description": "Urban sprawl and habitat destruction has adversely affected Gila monster numbers. In 1952, they became the first venomous animal to be given legal protection. Gila monsters are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. In 1963, the San Diego Zoo became the first zoo to successfully breed Gila monsters in captivity. Relationship with humans Though the Gila monster is venomous, its laggard movement means it poses little threat to humans. However, it has earned a fearsome reputation and is often killed by humans because of fear. Among Native American tribes, the Gila monster had a mixed standing. The Apache believed its breath could kill a man, and the Tohono O'Odham and the Pima believed it possessed a spiritual power that could cause sickness. In contrast, the Seri and the Yaqui believed the Gila monster's hide had healing properties. The Gila monster has even starred as a monster in a B movie, The Giant Gila Monster. It played a minor role in the motion picture The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Myths about the animal include that the animal's breath is toxic enough to kill humans, that it can spit venom and that it can leap several feet in the air to attack. Another myth held that the Gila monster did not have an anus and therefore expelled waste from its mouth, the source of its venom and \"fetid breath\". The official mascot of Eastern Arizona College located in Thatcher, Arizona is Gila Hank, a gun-toting, cowboy hat-wearing Gila monster. A similar character as an old western outlaw was seen in 2011 animated film Rango, called Bad Bill voiced by Ray Winstone."}, {"description": "The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum, ) is a species of venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. A heavy, slow-moving lizard, up to 60 cm long, the Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United States and one of only two known species of venomous lizards in North America, the other being its close relative, the Mexican beaded lizard (H. horridum). Though the Gila monster is venomous, its sluggish nature means it represents little threat to humans. However, it has earned a fearsome reputation and is sometimes killed despite being protected by state law in Arizona."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 2454914, "speciesKey": 113292277, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113290768": "Colubridae", "113292275": "Xenochrophis", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Xenochrophis vittatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Striped keelback"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113290768, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Xenochrophis", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "9601377", "genusKey": 113292275, "canonicalName": "Xenochrophis vittatus", "key": 113292277, "authorship": " (Linnaeus, 1758)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Xenochrophis vittatus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "genus": "Xenochrophis", "parentKey": 113292275, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "In central Java, it is also not uncommon for striped keelbacks to be kept by children as pets. It has a reputation for being very mild-mannered and rarely bites. In the United States, wild-caught striped keelbacks are frequently imported and sold as \"garter snakes\", typically \"Canadian garter snakes\" or \"Indonesian garter snakes\", but they are not related to Thamnophis."}, {"description": "This diurnal snake is found in rice paddies, ponds, small ditches, and sometimes suburban backyards and home gardens. The striped keelback is rear-fanged and mildly venomous, and is considered harmless; it typically feeds on amphibians, fish, and small lizards."}, {"description": "The striped keelback, Xenochrophis vittatus, is a species of snake found mainly in Indonesia (Bangka, Java, Sumatra, We, Sulawesi) and Singapore (introduced).Terra typica: \u201cAmerica\u201d (in error)."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Varanidae", "nubKey": 2470738, "speciesKey": 113425785, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113425710": "Varanidae", "113425712": "Varanus", "113415521": "Squamata", "113301736": "Chordata", "113425783": "V.", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Varanus baritji", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Black-spotted ridge-tailed monitor"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113425710, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "V.", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "26665877", "genusKey": 113425712, "canonicalName": "Varanus baritji", "key": 113425785, "authorship": "King & Horner, 1987", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Varanus baritji King & Horner, 1987", "genus": "Varanus", "parentKey": 113425783, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "This monitor lizard is spiny. It is similar to Varanus acanthurus in appearance, but differs in colour patterns. For example, V. baritji has a bright-yellow underside, but lacks the light and dark dorsal neck stripes and the light ocellated markings on its back for which V. acanthurus is known. The black-spotted ridge-tailed monitor can reach up to 72\u00a0cm in length."}, {"description": "The black-spotted ridge-tailed monitor, Varanus baritji, is a medium-sized ground dwelling monitor lizard.Monitor-lizards.de It is also known as White\u2019s ridged-tailed monitor or White's dwarf goanna.Mampam.com It is found in the northernmost part of the Northern Territory of Australia.Museum.wa.gov.auGBIF.orgThe species name of this lizard, baritj, is an Australian aboriginal word for white, as the lizard is named after its discoverer, Dr. Neville White."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Anguidae", "nubKey": 2468262, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2468262, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "2468246": "Elgaria", "1": "Animalia", "9198": "Anguidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Elgaria multicarinata", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "deu", "vernacularName": "S\u00fcdliche Krokodilschleiche"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Southern Alligator Lizard"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "s\u00fcdliche Alligatorschleiche"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Alligator lizard"}, {"language": "spa", "vernacularName": "Lagarto-escorpi\u00c3\u00b3n del Sur"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Southern Alligator Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 9198, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Elgaria", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119585094", "genusKey": 2468246, "canonicalName": "Elgaria multicarinata", "key": 2468262, "authorship": "Blainville, 1835", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 5, "scientificName": "Elgaria multicarinata Blainville, 1835", "genus": "Elgaria", "parentKey": 2468246, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The Southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) is a lizard native to the Pacific coast of North America. It is common throughout Southern California and can be found in grasslands, chaparral, and forests as well as urban areas. In dry climates, it is likely to be found in moist areas or near streams. Three subspecies can be distinguished: the California alligator lizard (E. m. multicarinata), the San Diego alligator lizard (E. m. webbii), and the Oregon alligator lizard (E. m. scincicauda).Stebbins, Robert (2003):331. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-395-98272-3The southern alligator lizard has a long, somewhat prehensile tail, up to twice the length of its body. Like many lizards, however, it can drop its tail if attacked, possibly giving it a chance to flee; the tail will regenerate, but will never be as long or richly colored as the original. Individuals with intact tails can reach up to about 11in total length.The lizards can frequently be found near human habitation and are notable for their fearless self-defense; they will often bite and defecate if handled. In the wild they eat small arthropods, slugs, lizards, small mammals and occasionally young birds and eggs."}, {"description": "Die S\u00fcdliche Krokodilschleiche (Elgaria multicarinata) oder auch S\u00fcdliche Alligatorschleiche ist eine Art der Krokodilschleichen (Gerrhonotinae). Sie bewohnt im westlichen Nordamerika prim\u00e4r lichte W\u00e4lder und ern\u00e4hrt sich haupts\u00e4chlich von Insekten. Die Kopf-Rumpfl\u00e4nge der S\u00fcdlichen Krokodilschleiche betr\u00e4gt circa 18 Zentimeter, hinzu kommt ein doppelt so langer Schwanz."}, {"description": "Der Bestand geht lokal zur\u00fcck, wird jedoch auf insgesamt mehr als 100.000 Exemplare gesch\u00e4tzt. Daher stuft die Rote Liste gef\u00e4hrdeter Arten der IUCN die S\u00fcdliche Krokodilschleiche als ungef\u00e4hrdet (least concern) ein. Die immer h\u00e4ufiger werdenden Waldbr\u00e4nde in S\u00fcdkalifornien haben negativen Einfluss auf die Best\u00e4nde der S\u00fcdlichen Krokodilschleiche, vor allem durch Verlust und Austrocknen der von den Echsen bevorzugten, feuchten und dicht bewachsenen Habitate."}, {"description": "AllgemeinesS\u00fcdliche Krokodilschleichen sind tagaktiv und meist in niedriger Vegetation, unter Steinen und Altholz oder am Boden zu finden. Der lange Schwanz wird als Kletterhilfe genutzt. Sie ern\u00e4hren sich haupts\u00e4chlich von Insekten und Spinnentieren, und erbeuten gelegentlich auch kleinere Reptilien, Kleins\u00e4uger, nestjunge V\u00f6gel und Eier. S\u00fcdliche Krokodilschleichen halten Winterruhe. Fressfeinde sind die meisten gr\u00f6\u00dferen Beutegreifer, unter anderem die W\u00fcsten-Nachtschlange (Hypsiglena torquata). FortpflanzungEs handelt sich um eine eierlegende (ovipare) Art. Die M\u00e4nnchen sind nach der Winterruhe in Paarungsbereitschaft; dies ist laut Beobachtungen in Terrarien durch intensives Z\u00fcngeln, Zittern und abgehackte Bewegungen erkennbar. Bei der Paarung verbei\u00dfen sich die M\u00e4nnchen ausdauernd in den Nacken des Weibchens. In der Folge legen die Weibchen 2-3 Gelege mit 1-41, im Durchschnitt 12 Eiern, in eine selbstgegrabene H\u00f6hle oder unter Ger\u00f6ll. F\u00fcr ein Weibchen in Gefangenschaft wurde eine Tragezeit von 60 Tagen angegeben. Die Inkubationsdauer betrug ebenfalls 60 Tage, bei einem weiteren Tier betrug sie 40 Tage. Es wurde auch von drei Weibchen berichtet, welche ihre Gelege zusammen unter einem einzelnen flachen Stein legten. Die weiblichen S\u00fcdlichen Krokodilschleichen verteidigen ihre Gelege aggressiv mit Bissen. Die Jungtiere erreichen die Geschlechtsreife wahrscheinlich nach 2 Jahren."}, {"description": "Wie bei allen Krokodilschleichen sind die R\u00fcckenschuppen gro\u00df und hart. Die Grundfarbe ist variabel und reicht von grau \u00fcber braun bis gelblich, der Bauch ist hell. \u00dcber den R\u00fccken laufen 9 bis 13 dunkle Querb\u00e4nder mit wei\u00dfen Flecken. Auf dem R\u00fccken k\u00f6nnen sich auch r\u00f6tliche, braune oder gelbliche Flecken befinden. Die Augen sind um die Pupille gelblich. Weibchen zeigen einen massigeren K\u00f6rperbau als M\u00e4nnchen.\u00dcber den R\u00fccken von Jungtieren zieht sich ein breites, hellbraunes Band mit einigen schwarzen Sprenkeln, Flanken und Bauch sind graubraun bis dunkelbraun, mit wei\u00dfen und schwarzen Flecken."}, {"description": "Traditionell werden 5 Unterarten (multicarinata, scincicauda, webbii, nana, ignava) unterschieden, welche anhand des Habitus kaum zu unterscheiden sind. Meist ist der Fundort bei der Bestimmung ausschlaggebend. Eine phylogeopraphische Studie zweifelt an der G\u00fcltigkeit der Unterarten."}, {"description": "Die S\u00fcdliche Krokodilschleiche lebt in den westlichen Gebiete der USA, vom s\u00fcdlichen Washington \u00fcber Oregon und ganz Kalifornien bis ins n\u00f6rdliche Mexiko, von Meeresh\u00f6he bis in bergige Regionen in 1.500 Metern H\u00f6he. Die westlichsten Vorkommen finden sich an der Sierra Nevada-Gebirgskette. Sie kommen auch auf etlichen der kalifornischen Kanalinseln vor. F\u00fcr San Miguel Island zum Beispiel ist durch pleistoz\u00e4ne Fossilien eine nat\u00fcrliche Besiedlung belegt, auf San Nicolas Island etwa ist Einf\u00fchrung durch menschlichen Einfluss wahrscheinlicher. Die Art bewohnt zahlreiche Habitate wie lichte W\u00e4lder, Gebiete mit lichter Vegetation, Graslandschaften, Parks und G\u00e4rten, sowie feuchte, bewachsene Gebiete an Gew\u00e4ssern."}, {"description": "CAL-OO"}, {"description": "MXN-BC"}, {"description": "ORE-OO"}, {"description": "WAS-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 5222442, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 5222442, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"5016": "Phrynosomatidae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2451046": "Phrynosoma", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Phrynosoma platyrhinos", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Desert horned lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Desert Horned Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Desert horned lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Desert Horned Lizard"}, {"language": "spa", "vernacularName": "Lagartija-cornuda de desierto"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5016, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phrynosoma", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119588096", "genusKey": 2451046, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma platyrhinos", "key": 5222442, "authorship": "Girard, 1852", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 3, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma platyrhinos Girard, 1852", "genus": "Phrynosoma", "parentKey": 2451046, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "These lizards mate in the spring and lay 2-16 eggs in June to July, which hatch sometime in August. Egg incubation lasts about 50\u201360 days. Individuals reach maturity in about 22 months."}, {"description": "The desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard native to western North America. They are often referred to as \"horny toads\", although they are not toads, but lizards."}, {"description": "They are generally a gentle species, but have been known to try to push their cranial spines into the hand while held. When excited, they puff themselves up with air, similar to the way a Chuckwalla does, making themselves look bigger. If spotted near a bush, they will dash into it in an attempt to find cover from any threat. Unlike several other horned lizard species, desert horned lizards are unable to squirt blood from their eyes.Sherbrooke, W.C. & Middendorf III, G.A. (2001): Blood-Squirting Variability in Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma). Copeia., 2001(4): 1114-1122."}, {"description": "This species of lizard has a distinctive flat body with one row of fringe scales down the sides. They have one row of slightly enlarged scales on each side of the throat. Colours can vary and generally blend in with the color of the surrounding soil, but they usually have a beige, tan, or reddish dorsum with contrasting, wavy blotches of darker color. They have two dark blotches on the neck that are very prominent and are bordered posteriorly by a light white or grey color. They also have pointed scales on the dorsum (back) of the body. Juveniles are similar to adults, but have shorter and less-pronounced cranial spines. Desert horned lizards have horns that are wide at the base, which isn't true for their congener, the short-horned lizard."}, {"description": "Desert horned lizards prey primarily on invertebrates, such as ants (including red harvester ants,) crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, worms, flies, and some plant material. They can often be found in the vicinity of ant hills, where they sit and wait for ants to pass by. When they find an area of soft sand, they usually shake themselves vigorously, throwing sand over their backs and leaving only their head exposed. This allows them to hide from predators and await their unsuspecting prey."}, {"description": "They typically range from southern Idaho in the north to northern Mexico in the south.There are considered to be two subspecies: the northern desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos platyrhinos) ranging in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, the Colorado front range, and parts of southeastern Oregon; and the southern desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos calidiarum) ranging in southern Utah and Nevada to southeast California, western Arizona, and northern Baja California."}, {"description": "Found in extremely diverse habitats. The flat-tailed horned lizard occurs in areas of fine sand, while the short-horned lizard (P. douglasii) is found in shortgrass prairie all the way up into spruce-fir forest. The most common species in the Arizona Upland subdivision is the regal horned lizard (P. solare), which frequents rocky or gravelly habitats of arid to semiarid plains, hills and lower mountain slopes."}, {"description": "CAL-OO"}, {"description": "COL-OO"}, {"description": "IDA-OO"}, {"description": "MXN-BC"}, {"description": "MXN-SO"}, {"description": "NEV-OO"}, {"description": "ORE-OO"}, {"description": "UTA-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xantusiidae", "nubKey": 2451766, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110983410, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "109354902": "Animalia", "110983390": "Lepidophyma", "110775394": "Chordata", "110983387": "Xantusiidae", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Lepidophyma gaigeae", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Lagartija Nocturna de Gaige"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Gaige's Tropical Night Lizard"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110983387, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Lepidophyma", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13201038", "genusKey": 110983390, "canonicalName": "Lepidophyma gaigeae", "key": 110983410, "authorship": "Mosauer, 1936", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Lepidophyma gaigeae Mosauer, 1936", "genus": "Lepidophyma", "parentKey": 110983390, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "MXE-SL"}, {"description": "MXE-QU"}, {"description": "MXE-HI"}, {"description": "MXE-GU"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 5222456, "speciesKey": 113293430, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113293407": "Phrynosomatidae", "113293428": "Phrynosoma", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Phrynosoma hernandesi", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Greater short-horned lizard"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113293407, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phrynosoma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "609807", "genusKey": 113293428, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma hernandesi", "key": 113293430, "authorship": "Girard, 1858", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma hernandesi Girard, 1858", "genus": "Phrynosoma", "parentKey": 113293428, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The mating season for this species is in spring (May to June). They are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young: the female will birth 5 to 48 offspring from July to September. The young will measure about 24\u00a0mm from snout to vent and weigh each about one gram. The young have no horns yet and are able to take care of themselves within a few hours; they are not able to fully crawl until they are a day old. Males will become sexually active after their first year of life and females generally take two years before they can start reproducing."}, {"description": "The greater short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi ) is often mistaken for its close relative the pygmy short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma douglasii ), which has the same basic body type consisting of small pointed scales around the head and back. Until recent mitochondrial DNA evidence, P. hernandesi was considered to be the same species as P. douglasii. They are now considered distinct species with the pygmy short-horned lizard (P. douglasii ) occupying the northwest portion of the United States and extreme southern British Columbia. When placed together the two are easily distinguished at full size, the pygmy short-horned lizard being much smaller. P. hernandesi is a highly variable species with different geographic populations exhibiting differences in color, pattern and size with some authorities describing five subspecies. The greater short-horned lizard ranges in size from 2 to 5 inches (5.1 to 12.7 cm) in snout to vent length (SVL) and is a flat-bodied, squat lizard with short spines crowning the head.Stebbins, Robert C. \"A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians.\" 3rd ed. Peterson Field Guides, 2003 They have a snub-nosed profile and short legs. The trunk is fringed by one row of pointed scales, while the belly scales are smooth. The color is gray, yellowish, or reddish-brown, and there are two rows of large dark spots on the back. When threatened or aggressive, their colors become more intense.Females grow to larger sizes than males: females average about 7\u00a0cm (about 2.75\u00a0inches) from snout to vent, with a maximum total length of about 15\u00a0cm (about 6 inches), and weigh about 18\u00a0g; whereas males have an SVL of only about 5\u00a0cm (about 2 inches), and weigh on the average about 10\u00a0g."}, {"description": "The greater short-horned lizard occupies ranges from semiarid plains to high elevations in the mountains. This species is frequently found in a wide range of habitats like shortgrass prairies, sagebrush deserts, and juniper, pine, or fir forests. The soil in these habitats can be stony or rocky but usually has fine loose soil or sand present. The greater short-horned lizard is more cold tolerant than other species and is able to reach higher elevations and a greater distribution where the temperature is much cooler."}, {"description": "The greater short-horned lizard is the most widely distributed lizard in North America and occurs in the widest range of habitats: West into central Nevada, East into North and South Dakota, North to Southern Saskatchewan and AlbertaReptiles and then South into the Texas Panhandle and into central Mexico. This species of lizard is mostly an arid mountain dweller living in the range of 9000-11,300 feet (170\u20133440 m). It is the only member of its genus in Wyoming, which counts Phrynosoma as its state reptile. It is also considered an endangered species in Saskatchewan and Alberta.Endangered Species and SpacesAssessment and Update Status Report on the Greater Short-horned Lizard"}, {"description": "Short-horned lizards are \"sit-and-wait\" predators. They feed primarily on ants, but will also take an occasional grasshopper or beetle. Often, they can be found sitting in the vicinity of ant nests or trails. They are diurnal creatures being most active during mid-day and burrowing at night. They rely extensively on camouflage to avoid predators. If provoked, some horned lizards can build up blood pressure in regions behind their eyes and accurately squirt their blood at attacking predators, which will deter canids from continuing their attack.\"Horned Toad (Short Horned Lizards)\" National Geographic Society 2009 It is rare for horned lizards to squirt blood at humans however, reserving this unique defense primarily for canids (i.e. foxes, coyotes, dogs) which have a strong reaction of distaste to the blood. Squirting blood has been observed in greater short-horned lizards but has not been observed in pygmy short-horned lizards."}, {"description": "The greater short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi ), also commonly known as the mountain short-horned lizard, is a species of lizard endemic to western North America. Like other horned lizards, it is often wrongly called a \"horned toad\" or \"horny toad\", but it is not a toad at all. It is a reptile, not an amphibian. It is one of seven native species of lizards in Canada. The specific name, hernandesi, honors Francisco Hern\u00e1ndez M\u00e9dico who wrote an early account in 1651 of a horned lizard.Sherbrooke, Wade C. \"Introduction to Horned Lizards of North America.\" California Natural History Guides, 2003"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gekkonidae", "nubKey": 2446599, "speciesKey": 113292992, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113292735": "Gekkonidae", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113289928": "Squamata", "113292990": "Rhacodactylus", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Rhacodactylus auriculatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Gargoyle gecko"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113292735, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Rhacodactylus", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "549350", "genusKey": 113292990, "canonicalName": "Rhacodactylus auriculatus", "key": 113292992, "authorship": "Bavay, 1869", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Rhacodactylus auriculatus Bavay, 1869", "genus": "Rhacodactylus", "parentKey": 113292990, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Gargoyle geckos make interesting terrarium animals. In captivity, these geckos will accept fruit mashes, fruit and powdered gecko diet (mixed with water). Crested Gecko Diet, or CGD, is commonly fed as a primary food source. Gecko food can be purchased from companies that specialize in it, such as Repashy or Pangea; these foods have the correct nutritional balance of vitamins and minerals, which is not found in basic fruit purees. As treats, these geckos readily accept live foods such as crickets, feeder roaches, and waxworms., which should be gut loaded, or dusted with vitamins and calcium as extra precautions.Rhacodactylus species are relatively new to being kept in homes and there is much still to be learned, since many species were thought to be extinct. An adult gargoyle should be housed in a twenty gallon tall tank, or something of similar size. Gargoyle gecko males should always be housed separately or as a part of a breeding pair or trio with females. Males housed together will always fight. Juveniles are known to be very aggressive towards cage mates as well. Cannibalism of cage mates' tails, toes and other extremities is not uncommon. Except during the breeding season, they should be housed separately, no matter the gender, age, or size.Maintaining a humidty level around 50-60% is ideal. Misting the cage will help achieve this, as will using a substrate that holds humidity, such as moss, cocohusk, or wood chips, since they won't be spending much time on the ground. Automatic misters can be purchased online or from a pet store. Live plants will also help maintain a high level of humidity, but need as much attention as their tank mates.The cage should include many branches, bendable vines, plants (live or artificial), and other decor for the gecko to climb on, and hide in.Females can be housed together, but males need to be housed separately, as they can be quite territorial, and may harm one another."}, {"description": "This reptile gets its common name from the cranial bumps that give the appearance of horns or ears; In fact, auriculatus is Latin for \"ears\" or \"eared\", depending on the case.http://www.wordsense.eu/auriculatus/http://www.rhac-shack.co.uk/the_other_rhacs_21.html Other characteristics of this gecko include a thin prehensile tail which will regenerate if it drops off,http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Gargoyle-Gecko/ as well as small toe pads. Although these geckos have to ability to grip vines, branches, and other obstacles, most do not have the ability to climb sheer surfaces, such as glass. As small as one inch long (from snout to vent) and weighing 3 grams at hatching, it reaches an average length of 7 to 9 inches and 60 to 70 grams in weight. They are considered a small to medium size gecko.They occur in many colors, including varying shades of greys, browns, white, yellow, orange, and red, with varying patterns of blotches and striping. They are commonly captive bred for particular traits of pattern and color, like most captive geckos."}, {"description": "Gargoyle geckos are nocturnal and arboreal, making their home in scrub forests. The female lays two eggs per clutch which hatch 60 to 90 days after they are laid. The female can lay 8 to 9 clutches per year.In captivity, it is fairly easy to hand tame these geckos, because they adapt to a human touching them, and know food comes when one is around sometimes.They have been observed in captivity to be very adventurous, and some will appreciate a change up in tank decorations. They can propel themselves almost three times their body length to reach a vine or tree branch, yet their feet do not have as much traction as other gecko's feet do, so they slip every now and then, making them seem clumsy. Moving about is no problem to them, as long as their skin is kept moist, it will stretch and accommodate their movements. When handling one, one should pay close attention to him/her as they are very quick."}, {"description": "The gargoyle gecko or New Caledonian bumpy gecko, Rhacodactylus auriculatus, is a species of gecko found only on the southern end of the island of New Caledonia. Its habitat is threatened by deforestation on the island. This gecko, along with several other Rhacodactylus species are being considered for protective measures by CITES, which would put restrictions on their exportation. This gecko was first described by Bavay in 1869."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 2453037, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2453037, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"6172": "Colubridae", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2453023": "Pareas", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Pareas hamptoni", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Hampton's Slug Snake"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Hamptons Schneckennatter"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Hampton s Slug Snake"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 6172, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Pareas", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119587858", "genusKey": 2453023, "canonicalName": "Pareas hamptoni", "key": 2453037, "authorship": "Boulenger, 1905", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Pareas hamptoni Boulenger, 1905", "genus": "Pareas", "parentKey": 2453023, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "CBD-OO"}, {"description": "CHC-GZ"}, {"description": "CHC-YN"}, {"description": "CHH-OO"}, {"description": "CHS-HK"}, {"description": "LAO-OO"}, {"description": "THA-OO"}, {"description": "VIE-OO"}, {"description": "Pareas hamptoni, also known as Hampton's Slug Snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. This species is found in Thailand, Myanmar, China, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam."}, {"description": "Boulenger, 1905 : Descriptions of Two New Snakes from Upper Burma. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, , (archive.org)."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 5223730, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 5223730, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "2443826": "Heterodon", "6172": "Colubridae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Heterodon platirhinos", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Eastern Hognose Snake"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "Hakennasennatter"}, {"language": "", "vernacularName": "\u00d6stliche Hakennatter"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Eastern Hog-nosed Snake"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 6172, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Heterodon", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119585887", "genusKey": 2443826, "canonicalName": "Heterodon platirhinos", "key": 5223730, "authorship": "Latreille, 1801", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Heterodon platirhinos Latreille, 1801", "genus": "Heterodon", "parentKey": 2443826, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Heterodon platirhinos, commonly known as the eastern hog-nosed snake, spreading adder,Wright, A.H., and A.A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. 2 volumes. Comstock Publishing Associates. Ithaca and London. (7th printing, 1985). 1105 pp. ISBN 0-8014-0463-0. (Heterodon platyrhinos, pp. 305-312, Figures 93-94, Map 29.) or deaf adder, is a harmless colubrid species endemic to North America.McCoy, C.J., Jr., and A.V. Bianculli. 1966. The distribution and dispersal of Heterodon platyrhinos in Pennsylvania. Journal of the Ohio Herpetological Society 5 (4): 153-158. No subspecies are currently recognized."}, {"description": "Eastern hognose snakes are occasionally available in the exotic pet trade, but due to their specific dietary requirements, they are not as readily available as other species. Generally, they refuse feeder rodents unless they are scented with amphibians. In Canada, Eastern hognose snakes are considered to be a species-at-risk (COSEWIC designation: Threatened), and consequently capture or harassment of these animals, including their captive trade, is illegal.These snakes live for approximately 12 years. They shed their skin periodically to grow and develop."}, {"description": "Eastern hog-nosed snake, spreading adder, hog-nosed snake, adder, bastard rattlesnake, black adder, black blowing viper, black hog-nosed snake, black viper snake, blauser, blower, blowing adder, blowing snake, blow(ing) viper, blow snake, buckwheat-nose snake, calico snake, checkered adder, checquered adder, chunk head, common hog-nosed snake, common spreading adder, deaf adder, eastern hognose snake, flat-head, flat-head(ed) adder, hay-nose snake, hissing adder, hissing snake, hog-nosed adder, hog-nosed rattler, hog-nose snake, hog-nosed viper, hissing viper, (mountain) moccasin, North American adder, North American hog-nosed snake, pilot, poison viper, puff(ing) adder, red snake, rock adder, rossel bastard, sand adder, sand viper, spotted (spreading) adder, spread nelly, spread-head moccasin, spread-head snake, spread-head viper, flat-head adder (spreading) viper."}, {"description": "This species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (v3.1, 2001). Species are listed as such due to their wide distribution, presumed large population, or because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. The population trend is stable. Year assessed: 2007."}, {"description": "When threatened, the neck is flattened and the head is raised off the ground, not unlike a cobra. They also hiss and will strike, but they do not attempt to bite. The result can be likened to a high speed head-butt. If this threat display does not work to deter a would-be predator, a hognose snakes will often roll onto its back and play dead, going so far as to emit a foul musk from its cloaca and let its tongue hang out of its mouth."}, {"description": "The average adult measures 71\u00a0cm (28\u00a0inches) in total length (body + tail), with females being larger than males. The maximum recorded total length is 116\u00a0cm (45.5 inches).The most distinguishing feature is the upturned snout, used for digging in sandy soils.The color pattern is extremely variable. It can be red, green, orange, brown, gray to black, or any combination thereof depending on locality. They can be blotched, checkered, or patternless. The belly tends to be a solid gray, yellow, or cream-colored. In this species the underside of the tail is lighter than the belly.Conant, R. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Second Edition. Houghton Mifflin. Boston. 429 pp. (Genus Heterodon and species Heterodon platyrhinos, pp. 168-170 + Plate 25 + Map 130.)Though these snakes are rear-fanged, they are often considered non-venomous, and not harmful to humans. Heterodon means \"different tooth,\" which refers to the enlarged teeth on the rear of the upper jaw. These teeth inject a mild amphibian-specific venom into its prey, and are often erroneously thought to pop inflated toads like a balloon to enable swallowing. Humans that are allergic to the saliva have been known to produce local swelling, but no human deaths have been documented."}, {"description": "The Eastern hognose snake feeds extensively on amphibians, and has a particular fondness for toads. This snake has resistance to the toxins toads secrete. This immunity is thought to come from enlarged adrenal glands which secrete large amounts of hormones to counteract the toads' powerful skin poisons. At the rear of each upper jaw, they have greatly enlarged teeth, which are neither hollow nor grooved, with which they puncture and deflate toads to be able to swallow them whole.Smith, H.M., and E.D. Brodie, Jr. 1982. Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Press. New York. 240 pp. ISBN 0-307-13666-3. (Genus Heterodon and species Heterodon platyrhinos, pp. 164-167.)Goin, C.J.; O.B. Goin; G.R. Zug. 1978. Introduction to Herpetology, Third Edition. W.H. Freeman. San Francisco. xi + 378 pp. ISBN 0-7167-0020-4. (Heterodon, pp. 167, 328-329.)Boulenger, G.A. 1894. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume II., Containing the Conclusion of the Colubrid\u00e6 Aglyph\u00e6. Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). London. xi + 382 pp. + Plates I.- XX. (Heterodon platyrhinus, pp. 154-156.) They will also consume other amphibians, like frogs and salamanders."}, {"description": "Heterodon platirhinos is found from eastern-central Minnesota to extreme southern New Hampshire, south to southern Florida and west to eastern Texas and western Kansas.Behler, J.L., and F.W. King. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf. New York. 744 pp."}, {"description": "Eastern hognose snakes mate in April and May. The females, which lay 8 - 40 eggs (average about 25) in June or early July, do not take care of the eggs or young. The eggs, which measure about 33\u00a0mm x 23\u00a0mm (1\u00bc in. x \u215e in.), hatch after about 60 days, from late July to September. The hatchlings are 16.5 \u2013 21\u00a0cm (6\u00bd - 8 in.) long.Schmidt, K.P., and D.D. Davis. 1941. Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. G.P. Putnam's Sons. New York. 365 pp. (Heterodon contortrix, pp. 115-118, Figures 25-26 + Plate 11.)"}, {"description": "ALA-OO"}, {"description": "ARK-OO"}, {"description": "CNT-OO"}, {"description": "DEL-OO"}, {"description": "FLA-OO"}, {"description": "GEO-OO"}, {"description": "ILL-OO"}, {"description": "INI-OO"}, {"description": "IOW-OO"}, {"description": "KAN-OO"}, {"description": "KTY-OO"}, {"description": "LOU-OO"}, {"description": "MAS-OO"}, {"description": "MIC-OO"}, {"description": "MIN-OO"}, {"description": "MRY-OO"}, {"description": "MSI-OO"}, {"description": "MSO-OO"}, {"description": "NCA-OO"}, {"description": "NEB-OO"}, {"description": "NWH-OO"}, {"description": "NWJ-OO"}, {"description": "NWY-OO"}, {"description": "OHI-OO"}, {"description": "OKL-OO"}, {"description": "ONT-OO"}, {"description": "PEN-OO"}, {"description": "RHO-OO"}, {"description": "SCA-OO"}, {"description": "SDA-OO"}, {"description": "TEN-OO"}, {"description": "TEX-OO"}, {"description": "VRG-OO"}, {"description": "WDC-OO"}, {"description": "WIS-OO"}, {"description": "WVA-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Colubridae", "nubKey": 2457621, "speciesKey": 113292141, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113289928, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113290768": "Colubridae", "113289630": "Reptilia", "113292140": "Thamnophis", "113289928": "Squamata", "113225636": "Chordata"}, "species": "Thamnophis marcianus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Checkered garter snake"}], "classKey": 113289630, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113290768, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Thamnophis", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "5897577", "genusKey": 113292140, "canonicalName": "Thamnophis marcianus", "key": 113292141, "authorship": " (Baird & Girard, 1853)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113225636, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Thamnophis marcianus (Baird & Girard, 1853)", "genus": "Thamnophis", "parentKey": 113292140, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The three recognized subspecies of T. marcianus are: T. m. marcianus (Baird & Girard, 1853) T. m. praeocularis (Bocourt, 1892) T. m. bovalli (Dunn, 1940)"}, {"description": "The checkered garter snake is the easiest garter snake to tame. Even a wild-caught one can become tame in a few days if handled carefully. The checkered garter snake is frequently available in the exotic pet trade, and makes a hardy captive animal. It can be trained to accept mice or fish fillets as food. Captive breeding, while not common, is done, and albino variants are being produced."}, {"description": "They are typically found near permanent bodies of water, such as streams and ponds, but have also been found in the semidesert region of the High Plains of West Texas."}, {"description": "The specific epithet, marcianus, is in honor of American Brigadier General Randolph B. Marcy, who led surveying expeditions to the frontier areas in the mid 19th century."}, {"description": "Their diets include small frogs, toads, small fish, and earthworms."}, {"description": "The checkered garter snake is typically green in color, with a distinct, black checkerboard pattern down its back. It is capable of growing to a total length of 42 in (107\u00a0cm), but 28 in (71\u00a0cm) is closer to average."}, {"description": "They will rarely bite; instead, they release a foul-smelling liquid from their cloacae onto attackers.They also have been found to have mild venom in their bodies."}, {"description": "The checkered garter snake (Thamnophis marcianus) is a species of garter snake endemic to the southern United States, Mexico and Central America."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Anomalepidae", "nubKey": 2460773, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2460773, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2460771": "Typhlophis", "44": "Chordata", "1": "Animalia", "5661": "Anomalepidae", "715": "Squamata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Typhlophis squamosus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "", "vernacularName": "Trinidad blind snake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Trinidad Blind Snake"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Typhlophis"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5661, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Typhlophis", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119589889", "genusKey": 2460771, "canonicalName": "Typhlophis squamosus", "key": 2460773, "authorship": "Schlegel, 1839", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Typhlophis squamosus Schlegel, 1839", "genus": "Typhlophis", "parentKey": 2460771, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "Common names: (none). Typhlophis is a monotypic genus created for the blind snake species, T. squamosus, found along the Atlantic coast of South America from the Guianas to Par\u00e1 in Brazil, as well as in Trinidad. No subspecies are currently recognized."}, {"description": "Found in the Atlantic coastal lowlands of South America in Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana as far south as the state of Par\u00e1 in Brazil. Also found on the island of Trinidad. The type locality given is \"Cayenne\" (French Guiana)."}, {"description": "GUY-OO"}, {"description": "SUR-OO"}, {"description": "TRT-OO"}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Gymnophthalmidae", "nubKey": 2450397, "accordingTo": "Uetz P.", "speciesKey": 110965224, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 110944020, "higherClassificationMap": {"110943848": "Reptilia", "109354902": "Animalia", "110775394": "Chordata", "110965220": "Calyptommatus", "110965028": "Gymnophthalmidae", "110944020": "Squamata"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "species": "Calyptommatus sinebrachiatus", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Lesser Microteiid"}], "classKey": 110943848, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 110965028, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Calyptommatus", "kingdomKey": 109354902, "taxonID": "13199329", "genusKey": 110965220, "canonicalName": "Calyptommatus sinebrachiatus", "key": 110965224, "authorship": "Rodrigues, 1991", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 110775394, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "7ddf754f-d193-4cc9-b351-99906754a03b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Calyptommatus sinebrachiatus Rodrigues, 1991", "genus": "Calyptommatus", "parentKey": 110965220, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "nubKey": 5222463, "speciesKey": 102126960, "rank": "SPECIES", "orderKey": 102124471, "higherClassificationMap": {"102126888": null, "102017110": null, "102124413": null, "102126926": "Phrynosoma Wiegmann, 1828", "102124471": null, "101683523": null}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "spa", "vernacularName": "Lagartija-cornuda cola redonda"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Round-tailed Horned Lizard"}], "classKey": 102124413, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 102126888, "parent": "Phrynosoma Wiegmann, 1828", "kingdomKey": 101683523, "taxonID": "173942", "genusKey": 102126926, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma modestum", "key": 102126960, "authorship": "Girard, 1852", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 102017110, "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "9ca92552-f23a-41a8-a140-01abaa31c931", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma modestum Girard, 1852", "parentKey": 102126926, "descriptions": []}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Xantusiidae", "nubKey": 2451739, "accordingTo": "The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011", "speciesKey": 2451739, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 715, "higherClassificationMap": {"2451720": "Xantusia", "5025": "Xantusiidae", "1": "Animalia", "715": "Squamata", "44": "Chordata", "358": "Reptilia"}, "taxonomicStatus": "ACCEPTED", "extinct": false, "species": "Xantusia bezyi", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Bezy's Night Lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Bezy s night lizard"}, {"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Bezy's Night Lizard"}], "classKey": 358, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 5025, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Xantusia", "kingdomKey": 1, "taxonID": "119590394", "genusKey": 2451720, "canonicalName": "Xantusia bezyi", "key": 2451739, "authorship": "Papenfuss, Macey & Schulte, 2001", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 44, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Xantusia bezyi Papenfuss, Macey & Schulte, 2001", "genus": "Xantusia", "parentKey": 2451720, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "ARI-OO"}, {"description": "Bezy's night lizard is named after noted herpetologist Robert L. Bezy.Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Xantusia bezyi, p. 25)."}, {"description": "X. bezyi is found in central Arizona."}, {"description": "Desert highlands and pine woodlands are its preferred habitats."}, {"description": "This lizard's diet consists of spiders and insects."}, {"description": "Bezy's night lizard (Xantusia bezyi ) is a species of lizard endemic to Arizona."}, {"description": "During daylight hours it shelters in rock crevices."}, {"description": "Small, smooth-skinned, and gray-brown to yellow-brown, this night lizard measures 1.5 to from its nose to its vent. It has a flattened head, and dark splotches on its back. The eyes lack eyelids and have vertical, linear pupils."}]}
{"nameType": "SCIENTIFIC", "family": "Phrynosomatidae", "nubKey": 5222469, "speciesKey": 113423096, "rank": "SPECIES", "phylum": "Chordata", "orderKey": 113415521, "higherClassificationMap": {"112707351": "Animalia", "113423093": "Phrynosoma", "113415521": "Squamata", "113423070": "Phrynosomatidae", "113301736": "Chordata", "113415011": "Reptilia"}, "species": "Phrynosoma douglasii", "vernacularNames": [{"language": "eng", "vernacularName": "Pygmy short-horned lizard"}], "classKey": 113415011, "habitats": [], "familyKey": 113423070, "kingdom": "Animalia", "parent": "Phrynosoma", "kingdomKey": 112707351, "taxonID": "34248304", "genusKey": 113423093, "canonicalName": "Phrynosoma douglasii", "key": 113423096, "authorship": " (Bell, 1828)", "nomenclaturalStatus": [], "phylumKey": 113301736, "class": "Reptilia", "numOccurrences": 0, "synonym": false, "datasetKey": "cbb6498e-8927-405a-916b-576d00a6289b", "threatStatuses": [], "numDescendants": 0, "scientificName": "Phrynosoma douglasii (Bell, 1828)", "genus": "Phrynosoma", "parentKey": 113423093, "order": "Squamata", "descriptions": [{"description": "The pygmy short-horned lizard is often mistaken for its close relative the greater short-horned lizard (P. hernandesi ) which has the same basic body type consisting of small pointed scales around the head and back. Until recent mitochondrial DNA evidence, the greater short-horned was considered to be the same species as the pygmy short-horned. They are now considered distinct species with the pygmy short-horned lizard occupying the northwest portion of the United States and extreme southern British Columbia (now extirpated from Canada). When placed together the two are easily distinguished at full size, the pygmy short-horned lizard being much smaller. The greater short-horned lizard is a highly variable species with different geographic populations exhibiting differences in color, pattern, and size, with some authorities describing five subspecies. The pygmy short-horned lizard ranges in size from 1.25 - in snout-to-vent length (SVL) and is a flat-bodied, squat lizard with short spines crowning the head.Stebbins, Robert C. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians: Third Edition. The Peterson Field Guide Series \u00ae. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. xiii + 533 pp. ISBN 978-0-395-98272-3. (Phrynosoma douglasii, pp. 303-304 + Plate 34 + Map 101). They have a snub-nosed profile and short legs. The trunk is fringed by one row of pointed scales, while the belly scales are smooth. The color is gray, yellowish, or reddish-brown, and there are two rows of large dark spots on the back. When threatened or aggressive, their colors become more intense."}, {"description": "The specific name, douglasii, is in honor of Scottish botanist David Douglas.Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Phrynosoma douglasi, p. 75)."}, {"description": "The pygmy short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma douglasii ) is a species of small horned lizard that occurs in the northwestern United States. In the past it also occurred in adjacent Canada. Like other horned lizards, it is often called a \"horned toad\" or \"horny toad,\" but it is not a toad at all. It is a reptile, not an amphibian.Sherbrooke, Wade C. 2003. Introduction to Horned Lizards of North America. California Natural History Guides. Oakland, California: University of California Press. 191 pp. ISBN 978-0520228276."}]}