Potamites erythrocularis facts for kids

The Potamites erythrocularis is a special kind of lizard that belongs to the Gymnophthalmidae family. It's often called the "red-eyed Potamites" because of its scientific name! This amazing lizard lives only in one place in the whole world: Manu National Park in the Region of Cusco, Peru. When an animal or plant lives only in one specific area, we say it is endemic to that place. So, the red-eyed Potamites is a unique creature found only in the beautiful forests of Peru.

Discovering the Red-Eyed Potamites

Scientists officially described the Potamites erythrocularis in 2014. This means they studied it carefully and gave it its scientific name. The name erythrocularis comes from Latin words that mean "red-eyed," which is a cool hint about how this lizard looks!

What Does the Red-Eyed Potamites Look Like?

These lizards are quite small. Adult males are about 8.3 to 8.5 centimeters long, not counting their tail. That's about the length of a typical crayon!

Colors and Patterns of Males and Females

The Potamites erythrocularis has different colors depending on whether it's a male or a female.

• Males:
  • Their back (called the dorsum) is usually brownish.
  • They have special spots on their sides called "lateral ocelli." These spots look a bit like eyes and males usually have two or three pairs of them.
  • The males have bright red colors on their lower legs and belly.
  • Their chest area can be creamy or a pale blue.
  • You might also see some dark spots on their throat and head.

• Females:
  • Females usually don't have the "eye-like" spots (ocelli) on their sides.
  • Their limbs, chest, and tail are typically yellow to light brown.
  • Their belly is often orange.
  • The throat and head of females are usually creamy white.

These differences in color help scientists tell the males and females apart, and they might also help the lizards attract mates or blend into their environment!

Where the Red-Eyed Potamites Lives

This lizard makes its home in the Manu National Park in Peru. This park is a huge and very important protected area. It's known for its incredible biodiversity, meaning it has a wide variety of plants and animals. The park includes different types of environments, from high mountains to rainforests. The Potamites erythrocularis lives in the specific parts of this park that are just right for it.

See also

In Spanish: Potamites erythrocularis para niños