Holbrookia maculata perspicua

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Holbrookia maculata perspicua
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Phrynosomatidae
Genus: Holbrookia
Species:
Subspecies:
H. m. perspicua
Trinomial name
Holbrookia maculata perspicua
Axtell, 1956

Holbrookia maculata perspicua, commonly known as the eastern earless lizard and the prairie earless lizard, is a subspecies of lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. H. m. perspicua is a subspecies of the lesser earless lizard ( Holbrookia maculata ). The subspecies is native to the prairies of the central United States.

Contents

Geographic range

H. m. perspicua is found in Oklahoma, and northern Texas. [1]

Description

The prairie earless lizard is an overall gray-brown in color, a row of dark blotches on either side of the back, and a light-colored stripe down the middle of the back. The male has black and white diagonal markings just before its hind legs. Typically, females lack these markings. H. m. perspicua may grow to a total length (including tail) of 4.5 to 6 in (11 to 15 cm), and like all earless lizards, it has no external ear openings. As its geographic range overlaps with other subspecies of H. maculata, distinguishing it can be difficult.[ citation needed ]

Behavior

Like all earless lizards, the prairie earless lizard is diurnal and insectivorous. It often seen basking on rocks, but will flee quickly if approached.[ citation needed ]

Reproduction

H. m. perspicua is oviparous. [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 Species Holbrookia maculata at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.

Further reading