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Tropidurus plica (1)
crissie78
![Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 20 W: 3 N: 70]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-g.gif) (385) | Appearance: Tropidurids are small- to moderate-sized lizards, with a distinct head and neck, well developed limbs and toes, and tails that are typically at least as long (often longer) than the body. Although most are cryptically colored to match their surroundings, a number of species have bold and colorful body patterns in red, blue, yellow, and green. Most have coarse body scales and a few are very spiny in appearance.
Distribution: South America (including the Galápagos Islands), Caribbean, USA (introduced to Florida).
Habitat: Tropidurids are extremely variable ecologically. They inhabit rain forests, dry forests, savannas, and deserts. A number of species belonging to the genera Liolaemus and Phymaturus occur in the high mountain regions of the Andes.
Size: Tropidurids range from about 4 to 15 cm snout-vent length.
Food: The varied food habits of tropidurids reflect their ecological diversity. Although most are insectivores or omnivores, some are herbivorous
Behaviour: Tropidurids are diurnal and those that have been studied behaviorally regulate their body temperatures above those of the ambient environment. Seasonal activity is usually dependent on climatic conditions. Many species are difficult to approach closely and will retreat to nearby cover.
source: Information contributed by Robert Espinoza
Info picture: The Picture is taken in Brownsberg nature park in Surinam. You can see beautifull the protective coloration on the lizard, who is sitting on a tree which is covered with fungi lichens.
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