Gerrhonotus liocephalus


Gerrhonotus liocephalus, also known commonly as the Texas alligator lizard, Wiegmann's alligator lizard, and la culebra con pata in Spanish, is a species of lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is native to Texas, Mexico, and Guatemala. There are three recognized subspecies.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitats of Gerrhonotus liocephalus are forest and shrubland.

Behavior

Gerrhonotus liocephalus is terrestrial.

Diet

Gerrhonotus liocephalus preys predominately upon insects.

Reproduction

Gerrhonotus liocephalus is oviparous.

Subspecies

The following three subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.
  • Gerrhonotus liocephalus austrinus
  • Gerrhonotus liocephalus liocephalus
  • ''Gerrhonotus liocephalus loweryi''

    Etymology

The subspecific name, loweryi, is in honor of American ornithologist George Hines Lowery, Jr.