Abronia taeniata

(Weigmann, 1828)

Vernacular names

English : Bromeliad arboreal alligator lizard
French : Lézard-alligator tigré

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Anguidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification

The species reaches up to 14 cm in body length. Powerful jaws, triangular head, armored plates on tail. Coloration yellow-green to almost turquoise with six to eight black transversal bands on body.

Range and habitat

This species is endemic to eastern Mexico and occurs from south Tamaulipas to north Puebla. Lives in cloud forests, Montane forests and Pine-Oak forests from 1000 to 3000 m.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is endangered because of habitat loss leading to range fragmentation and global decline of most of its populations.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation