Liolaemus darwinii

Liolaemus darwinii, also known commonly as Darwin's tree iguana, is a species of lizard in the family Liolaemidae. The species is endemic to Argentina.

Liolaemus darwinii
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Iguania
Family:	Liolaemidae
Genus:	Liolaemus
Species:	L. darwinii
Binomial name
Liolaemus darwinii (Bell, 1843)
Range map
Synonyms[2]
Proctotretus darwinii Bell, 1843 Liolaemus darwinii — Gray, 1845 Eulaemus darwinii — Girard, 1857 Liolaemus darwinii — Boulenger, 1885

Etymology

The specific name, darwinii, is in honor of English naturalist Charles Darwin, the author of On the Origin of Species.^[3]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of L. darwinii is shrubland, at altitudes from sea level to 3,000 m (9,800 ft).^[1]

Description

The males of L. darwinii are brown with two yellow dorsal stripes that run along the spine, one on each side of the back.^{[citation needed]} The females are solely brown.^{[citation needed]}

Diet

L. darwinii eats various insects 5 cm (2.0 in) or less in length, including beetles and locusts.^{[citation needed]}

Behavior

L. darwinii is diurnal.^{[citation needed]} During nights and cold days, it burrows underground.^{[citation needed]} It is a solitary and territorial.^{[citation needed]} Males and females compete for territory.^{[citation needed]}

Reproduction

L. darwinii is oviparous.^[1][2] The mating season is in mid-February, and the nesting time is eight months later.^{[citation needed]} The hatchlings are 5 cm (2.0 in) long, and clutch size is typically between 10 and 12.^{[citation needed]}