Ctenoblepharys adspersa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ctenoblepharys adspersa |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ctenoblepharys
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| Species: |
adspersa
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The Ctenoblepharys adspersa is a unique lizard found only along the dry western coast of Peru. It belongs to a special group of lizards called liolaemids. This lizard is the only species in its genus Ctenoblepharys, which means it's a "monotypic" genus. Locals in Peru often call it cabezona, which means "big-headed".
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About the Cabezona Lizard
Where Does It Live?
This lizard loves sandy places. It is often found hiding in coastal sand dunes and on beaches. You can also find it in very dry areas, in streambeds that only have water sometimes, and among special plants called Tillandsia further inland. It can even live near the Andean foothills.
What Does It Do?
The Ctenoblepharys adspersa is a bit shy and likes to stay hidden. It lays eggs, which means it is oviparous. These lizards dig burrows that can be up to a meter (about 3 feet) long! They eat many different kinds of insects. Their favorite foods are wasps and ants. They also enjoy eating coleopterans (beetles) and insect larvae. The best times to spot them are in the morning, usually between 9 and 11 AM, and in the afternoon, from 3 to 4 PM.
What Does It Look Like?
The Ctenoblepharys adspersa has a wider head and bigger eyes compared to other lizards in its family. It also has some special bones that make it unique. Its scales are usually small and feel grainy, not like overlapping tiles. Above its eyes, it has long scales that look like eyelashes. These "eyelash comb" scales are why its genus name, Ctenoblepharys, comes from Greek words meaning "eyelash comb".
Its legs are quite thin, and its tail is longer than its body. This lizard is a medium size, growing up to about 7.5 centimeters (3 inches) long from its snout to the base of its tail. This measurement does not include its long tail. The Ctenoblepharys adspersa is very good at blending in with the sand. It has white speckles on a background of light and dark brown stripes, which helps it hide.
Why Is This Lizard Special?
The Ctenoblepharys adspersa is quite rare. It does not handle human activity or changes to its home very well. Cities and towns, especially around the Lima Metropolitan Area, are growing. This growth has broken up the lizard's natural living areas into smaller pieces.
Threats to Its Survival
Continued building and the loss of its sandy habitat put more pressure on this lizard. Climate change also adds to these problems. Because it lives in a small area, its population is split up, and its home is being damaged. For these reasons, the Ctenoblepharys adspersa has been listed as a Vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List since 2014. This means it is at risk of becoming endangered.
Protected Areas
Luckily, some of these lizards live in protected places. These include Lomas de Lachay and Paracas National Reserve. These areas help keep their habitat safe.
