| Leiocephalus carinatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| L. c. labrossytus, Playa Larga, Cuba | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Leiocephalidae |
| Genus: | Leiocephalus |
| Species: | L. carinatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Leiocephalus carinatus Gray, 1827 | |
Leiocephalus carinatus, commonly known as the northern curly-tailed lizard or saw-scaled curlytail, is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae (curly-tailed lizard). [2]
It is native to the Bahama Islands, the Cayman Islands and Cuba. [1] [2] It was introduced intentionally in Palm Beach, Florida, in the 1940s in an attempt to control sugar cane pests, [3] and is now also present in a few other parts of the state. [4] Another introduced population inhabits Swan Islands, Honduras. [1]
Adults may attain a snout to vent length (SVL) of 10.5 cm (4.1 in), or a total length, including the tail, of 26 cm (10 in). The dorsal scales are keeled and pointed. L. carinatus resembles lizards of the genus Sceloporus , but with the tail usually curled upward, especially when the lizard is in a horizontal position on rocks or on the ground. [5]
An active, robust lizard, it is mostly terrestrial and will retreat into a burrow or cavity when frightened. It prefers sunny areas with loose rubble and rock. In the Cayman Islands a large captured specimen was observed to consistently burrow completely under the sand in a holding tank, even though a rock retreat was provided. The lizard also "played dead" when handled and remained completely motionless for a short while after being put down.
Leiocephalus carinatus utilizes tail curling as an antipredator measure when being chased. This behavior is predominantly seen when the predator is distant, as it is an attempt to intimidate would-be pursuers; when the predator is close however, the lizard instead seeks immediate refuge. [6]
13 subspecies are recognized, including the nominate race: [2]
Leiocephalidae, also known as the curlytail lizards or curly-tailed lizards, is a family of iguanian lizards restricted to the West Indies. One of the defining features of these lizards is that their tail often curls over. They were previously regarded as members of the subfamily Leiocephalinae within the family Tropiduridae. There are presently 30 known species, all in the genus Leiocephalus.
The Navassa curly-tailed lizard or Navassa curlytail lizard is an extinct lizard species from the family of curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalidae). It is known only from the holotype, a female specimen from which it was described in 1868. A possible second specimen which was collected by Rollo Beck in 1917 was instead identified as a Tiburon curly-tailed lizard by herpetologist Richard Thomas in 1966.
The Martinique curlytail lizard is an extinct species of lizard in the family of curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalidae).
The Hispaniolan masked curly-tailed lizard is a lizard species from the family of curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalidae). It is also known as the Hispaniolan masked curlytail, Haitian curlytail lizard and the green-legged curly-tail. endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.
Leiocephalus loxogrammus, commonly known as the Rum Cay curlytail lizard and the San Salvador curlytail, is a lizard species in the family of curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalidae). The species is endemic to The Bahamas and is only known to be found on San Salvador Island and Rum Cay.
Leiocephalus greenwayi, commonly known as the East Plana curlytail and the Plana Cay curlytail lizard, is a species of lizard in the family of curly-tailed lizards (Leiocephalidae). The species is native to the West Indies.
Leiocephalus inaguae, commonly known as the Inagua curlytail lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae.
Leiocephalus carinatus armouri, commonly known as the Little Bahama curly-tailed lizard, is a subspecies of Leiocephalus carinatus, the northern curly-tailed lizard. It was previously endemic to the Bahama Islands.
The Hispaniolan curlytail lizard, also known as the Hispaniolan khaki curlytail, the red-sided curlytail lizard, the red-sided curly-tailed lizard, or Schreibers's curly-tailed lizard, is a common lizard species in the family Leiocephalidae. It is native to Hispaniola in the Caribbean, and an introduced population is found in southern Florida. There are two recognized subspecies.
Leiocephalus sixtoi, also known as the Hispaniolan dune curlytail, the dune curly-tailed lizard, or Sixto'scurly-tailed lizard is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae. This species is endemic to the island of Hispaniola, and is only known in the sandy spaces of monumento natural Las Dunas de las Calderas, also known as Las Dunas de Baní.
Leiocephalus barahonensis, commonly known as the orange-bellied curlytail or Barahona curlytail lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae. It is endemic to Hispaniola, including some outlying islands.
Leiocephalus cubensis, commonly known as the Cuban brown curlytail or Cuban curlytail lizard , is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae. It is native to Cuba.
Leiocephalus macropus, commonly known as the Cuban side-blotched curlytail or Monte Verde curlytail lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae. It is native to Cuba.
Leiocephalus onaneyi, commonly known as the Guantanamo striped curlytail, Guantánamo striped curly-tailed lizard, or Sierra curlytail lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae. It is native to Cuba.
Leiocephalus psammodromus, commonly known as the Turks & Caicos curlytail and the Bastion Cay curlytail lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae. The species is native to the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean Sea.
Leiocephalus raviceps, commonly known as the pallid curlytail or mountain curlytail lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae. It is native to Cuba.
Leiocephalus stictigaster, commonly known as the Cuban striped curlytail or Cabo Corrientes curlytail lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae. It is native to Cuba.
Leiocephalus varius, commonly known as the Cayman curlytail or Cayman curly-tailed lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae. It is native to the Cayman Islands.
Leiocephalus roquetus, also known as the curlytail roquet or La Désirade curlytail lizard, is an extinct species of lizard in the family of curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalidae). It was endemic to Guadeloupe.
