Lagarto de bosque facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lagarto de bosque |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pristidactylus
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| Species: |
torquatus
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The Pristidactylus torquatus, also known as the forest lizard or southern grumbler, is a type of lizard. It belongs to the Iguanidae family. Its scientific name, torquatus, comes from a Latin word meaning "wearing a twisted collar." This lizard lives only in Chile, specifically in the Bío Bío Region, Araucanía Region, and Los Lagos Region.
What Does the Forest Lizard Look Like?
The forest lizard is a strong lizard with powerful legs and a large head. Its back is usually reddish-brown. It has big grey patches on its back. A dark collar or band goes around its throat. The underside of its body is lighter in color. The area around its belly is greenish-yellow. This lizard can grow to be about 6 to 11 centimeters (2.4 to 4.3 inches) long, not counting its tail.
Where Do Forest Lizards Live?
The forest lizard is found only in Chile. It lives on the western side of the Andes mountains. You can find it in the Biobío, La Araucania, and Los Lagos regions. Its natural home is in the large southern beech forests. These forests are made up of Nothofagus trees. They grow in a mild climate.
Forest Lizard Behavior and Diet
The forest lizard mostly lives on the ground. It stays under the trees in the forest. This lizard mainly eats beetles. It has strong jaws to chew them up. When it's time to lay eggs, the female lizard digs a hole in the sand. She lays about six eggs in this hole.
