Phymaturus mallimaccii

Phymaturus mallimaccii, also known commonly as the thorntail mountain lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Liolaemidae. The species is endemic to Argentina.^[2]

Phymaturus mallimaccii
A male Phymaturus mallimaccii
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Iguania
Family:	Liolaemidae
Genus:	Phymaturus
Species:	P. mallimaccii
Binomial name
Phymaturus mallimaccii Cei, 1980
Synonyms[2]
Phymaturus mallimacci Cei, 1980 Centrura mallimacci (Cei, 1980)

Etymology

The specific name, mallimaccii, is in honor of Argentinian geologist Hugo Salvador Mallimacci.^[3]: 166

Distribution

Phymaturus mallimaccii is found in the Sierra de Famatina, La Rioja Province, Argentina.^[1][2]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Phymaturus mallimaccii is grassland, at altitudes of 3,800–4,200 m (12,500–13,800 ft).^[1]

Behavior

Phymaturus mallimaccii is terrestrial and saxicolous (rock-dwelling).^[1]

Diet

A herbivorous species, Phymaturus mallimaccii eats flowers, especially those of the genera Hypochoeris and Werneria.^[1]

Reproduction

The mode of reproduction of Phymaturus mallimaccii has been described as viviparous^[1] and as ovoviviparous.^[2]

Taxonomy

Phymaturus mallimaccii is a member of the Phymaturus palluma species group.^[2]