Lepidophyma gaigeae


Lepidophyma gaigeae, also known commonly as Gaige's tropical night lizard and la lagartija nocturna de Gaige in Mexican Spanish, is a small species of lizard in the family Xantusiidae. The species is native to eastern Mexico.

Etymology

The specific name, gaigeae, is in honor of American herpetologist Helen Beulah Thompson Gaige.

Geographic range

L. gaigeae is native to the Sierra Madre Oriental of northern Querétaro state and adjacent northwestern Hidalgo state, between elevation.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of L. gaigeae is rocky areas of forest or shrubland.

Reproduction

L. gaigeae is viviparous. Litter size may be as small as one newborn.