Liolaemus tenuis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Liolaemus tenuis |
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| Male Liolaemus tenuis | |
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Liolaemus
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tenuis
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The Liolaemus tenuis, often called the jewel lizard, is a fascinating small lizard. It also goes by other names like the thin tree iguana, slender lizard, or thin lizard. This special lizard belongs to the Iguanidae family, which includes many types of iguanas and other lizards.
The jewel lizard is a unique animal because it is endemic to Chile. This means you can only find it living naturally in Chile and nowhere else in the world!
About the Jewel Lizard
The jewel lizard is quite small. Its body, from its nose to the base of its tail (called its snout–vent length), is usually about 5.5 centimeters long. That's about the length of your pinky finger!
These lizards are diurnal, which means they are active during the day. They spend their daylight hours hunting for food and exploring their surroundings.
What Jewel Lizards Eat
Jewel lizards are mainly insect eaters. They love to munch on different kinds of insects they find in their habitat. This helps keep insect populations in check.
Jewel Lizards as Pets
Sometimes, people keep jewel lizards as pets. They are known for their interesting behaviors and relatively small size. If you ever think about having a pet lizard, it's important to learn all about how to care for it properly.
Life in the Wild
In their natural home in Chile, jewel lizards live among trees and bushes. They are very quick and agile, which helps them catch insects and escape from predators. Like all animals, they play an important role in their ecosystem.
