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Lizards of Zihuatanejo

SUBORDER​ SAURIA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Reptiles (Class Reptilia)

-​Snakes and Lizards (Order Squamata)

-Lizards (Suborder​ Sauria)

-Phrynosomatid Lizards (Family Phrynosomatidae)

-Sceloporine Lizards (Subfamily Sceloporinae)

-Spiny Lizards (Genus Sceloporus)

-Boulder Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus pyrocephalus)


Sceloporus pyrocephalus, commonly known as the boulder spiny lizard, is a species of lizard belonging to the Phrynosomatidae family. It is endemic to Mexico. Breeding males can be easily identified by the bright orange coloring on its head. This species feeds on a variety of insects, as well as other small invertebrates and fruits.

Boulder Spiny Lizards - Male

Sceloporus pyrocephalus

Diet

  • Primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, termites, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars, flies, spiders, and other small arthropods.

  • Occasionally consumes small fruits and flower parts.

  • Hunts during the day by watching from elevated perches before making quick dashes to capture prey.

Range

  • Endemic to western Mexico, occurring along the Pacific slope from Jalisco through Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, and into western Oaxaca.

  • Common in suitable habitat throughout the Zihuatanejo region.

  • Found from sea level to about 1,800 m (5,900 ft).

Habitat

  • Inhabits tropical dry forests, thorn scrub, rocky hillsides, woodland edges, secondary forests, and coastal scrub.

  • Frequently seen basking on rocks, tree trunks, fallen logs, stone walls, fence posts, and exposed branches.

  • Retreats into rock crevices, beneath bark, or under logs when disturbed.

Size

  • Total length: 18–25 cm (7.1–9.8 in)

  • Snout-to-vent length (SVL): 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 in)

  • Weight: 20–45 g

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