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Need species ID for Forest Iguana (pictures of Vilcunia?)

Katrina Dec 12, 2004 11:05 PM

I recently acquired a lizard called a "forest iguana" by the dealer from which it came. The animal is a small, green lizard, similar in appearance and size between a cone-headed lizard (Laemanctus longipes) and a smaller chameleon. It has no head casque, though, no spines at all on the head, neck, or back, and not as thin or gangly as a cone-headed lizard, and not quite as large as an adult cone-headed - the body is only about 4" long. The tail is extremely long, perhaps 8-10"? She is light green, with a whitish, cream-colored belly, and a thin black line running the length of the head on each side and bisecting the eye.

I have little hope for this poor girl, as she is severely emaciated and severely gravid. She's relatively active, though, and drinking at least. I'm trying to ID the exact species, and see if there is any captive care information, egg incubation information (if she's strong enough to lay), or at least find out their native habitat. If you've heard of a lizard called a "forest iguana" and know the species, or know of anyone has kept one alive for more than a few months or ever hatched eggs, please let me know. I'll try to get a picture tomorrow.

Someone on another list said that Liolaemus sylvanae (a.k.a. Vilcunia silvanae) is sometimes called a forest iguana. Does anyone have a picture of this species? I haven't been able to find a picture of one on the net.

Right now I can tell you what I think it's not. I don't think it's Calotes, although it looks slightly like Calotes maria, minus the spines and with the coloring described above. There is a picture of C. maria here, if someone would lke to take a look. http://www.bio.utexas.edu/grad/sp/MI2/

Katrina

Replies (1)

Katrina Dec 13, 2004 10:09 PM

It's been identified as Polychrus marmoratus, a member of the anole family, a.k.a. Peruvian Monkey Lizards.

Katrina

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