Guatemalan emerald spiny lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guatemalan emerald spiny lizard |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Phrynosomatidae |
| Genus: | Sceloporus |
| Species: |
S. taeniocnemis
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| Binomial name | |
| Sceloporus taeniocnemis Cope, 1885
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The Guatemalan emerald spiny lizard, also known as Sceloporus taeniocnemis, is a type of lizard. It belongs to the Phrynosomatidae family, which includes many spiny lizards. This reptile is special because it is found only in certain areas. You can find it living in parts of Mexico and Guatemala.
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About the Guatemalan Emerald Spiny Lizard
The Guatemalan emerald spiny lizard is a beautiful reptile. It gets its name from its bright green color. This color helps it blend in with plants and trees. The lizard also has spiny scales. These scales give it a rough texture. They might also help protect it from predators.
Where Does It Live?
This lizard lives in warm, tropical places. Its home is in the forests and rocky areas of Mexico and Guatemala. It likes places with lots of trees and sunshine. These lizards often live on tree trunks or rocks. They can quickly climb and hide among the branches. They enjoy basking in the sun to warm up their bodies.
What Does It Look Like?
The Guatemalan emerald spiny lizard is usually medium-sized. It has a strong body and a long tail. Its most striking feature is its bright emerald green color. This green can be very vibrant. Some lizards might have patterns or stripes on their bodies. These patterns help them camouflage. The spiny scales cover its entire body. They make the lizard look a bit rough.
What Does It Eat?
Like many lizards, the Guatemalan emerald spiny lizard is an insectivore. This means it mainly eats insects. It hunts for small bugs like ants, beetles, and crickets. It might also eat spiders or other small invertebrates. The lizard is a quick hunter. It uses its speed to catch its prey. Its diet helps control insect populations in its habitat.
How Does It Reproduce?
Lizards like the Guatemalan emerald spiny lizard reproduce by laying eggs. This is a common way for many reptiles to have babies. The female lizard will lay her eggs in a safe spot. She might bury them in the soil or under rocks. After a period, the baby lizards hatch from the eggs. They are tiny versions of the adults. The young lizards must find food and protect themselves.
Its Family: Phrynosomatidae
The Guatemalan emerald spiny lizard is part of the Phrynosomatidae family. This family is also known as the North American spiny lizards. It includes many different types of lizards. Most of these lizards live in North and Central America. They often have rough, spiny scales. Many of them are good climbers. They are an important part of their ecosystems.
Is It in Danger?
The conservation status of the Guatemalan emerald spiny lizard is "Least Concern" (LC). This means that its population is currently stable. It is not considered to be at high risk of extinction. However, it is always important to protect their habitats. Keeping their homes safe helps all animals thrive. Scientists continue to monitor lizard populations. This helps ensure they stay healthy for the future.
See also
In Spanish: Lagartija-escamosa esmeralda de Cope para niños
 | Delilah Pierce |
 | Gordon Parks |
 | Augusta Savage |
 | Charles Ethan Porter |
