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Common butterfly lizard

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Species of lizard
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Common butterfly lizard
Conservation status

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Leiolepis
Species: L. belliana
Binomial name
Leiolepis belliana
(Hardwicke & Gray, 1827)
Synonyms
  • Uromastix belliana
    Hardwicke & Gray, 1827
  • Leiolepis bellii
    Gray, 1845
  • Leiolepis belliana
    — Boulenger, 1890

The common butterfly lizard (Leiolepis belliana), also called the butterfly agama or butterfly lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is native to Asia.

Etymology

The specific name, belliana, is in honor of English zoologist Thomas Bell.

The common name butterfly lizard is from flaps of skin on their sides which can expand to look like butterfly wings.

Geographic range

L. belliana can be found in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

It has been observed as an invasive species in Florida as far back as 1992. It was originally introduced by a tropical fish dealer in the Miami area and populations there continue to spread. The ecological impacts on native Florida species are unknown.

Description

L. belliana has a tan or olive green body and yellow spots on its back, with small orange and black lines on its sides and extendable side flaps. Male lizards will have bright red and black stripes during mating season. Adults can reach 15 inches in length.

Ecology

Reproduction

L. belliana are strictly monogamous and share their burrow with their partner. Females can lay up to 8 eggs at a time. Babies are cared for in the parent's burrow for a few months before they dig their own burrows nearby.

Diet

The butterfly lizard feeds primarily on insects including grasshoppers, beetle larvae, and butterflies, though sometimes feeds on plants.

Habitat

L. belliana prefers open, dry areas and grasslands. It digs and lives in burrows averaging 30 cm (12 in) deep and 70 cm (28 in) long which it protects itself in during the night.

References

  1. Grismer L, Quah E, Neang T, Cota M, Lwin K (2019). "Leiolepis belliana". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019:e.T99930769A99931106. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/99930769/99931106. Downloaded on 20 December 2020.
  2. ^ Species Leiolepis belliana at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
  3. Boulenger GA (1890). The Fauna of British India, Including Ceylon and Burma. Reptilia and Batrachia. London: Secretary of State for India in Council. (Taylor and Francis, printers). xviii + 541 pp. (Leiolepis belliana, pp. 156-157).
  4. Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Leiolepis belliana, p. 22).
  5. ^ "Florida Lizards: 25 Common Lizards of Florida & Pictures - More Reptiles". www.morereptiles.com. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  6. ^ Enge, Kevin; Krysko, Kenneth (2005-01-01). "A new non-native lizard in Florida, the butterfly lizard, Leiolepis belliana (Sauria: Agamidae)". Florida Scientist. 68: 247–249.
  7. EXOTIC-PETS.CO.UK. "Butterfly Agama - Leiolepis belliana". www.exotic-pets.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  8. ^ "Nonnatives - Butterfly Lizard". myfwc.com. Archived from the original on 2017-03-24. Retrieved 2018-05-12.

Further reading

  • Hardwicke T, Gray JE (1827). "A Synopsis of the Species of Saurian Reptiles, collected in India by Major-General Hardwicke". Zoological Journal 3: 213–229. (Uromastix belliana, new species, p. 220).
  • Smith MA (1935). The Fauna of British India, Including Ceylon and Burma. Reptilia and Amphibia. Vol. II.—Sauria. London: Secretary of State for India in Council. (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 440 pp. + Plate I + 2 maps. (Leiolepis belliana, pp. 238–240, Figure 61).

Gallery

External links


Taxon identifiers
Leiolepis belliana


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