Kingdom Animalia Class Reptilia Family Teiidae Scientific name Ameiva pluvianotata | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Genus Ameiva Rank Species | |
Similar Ameiva cineracea, Ameiva lineolata, Martinique giant ameiva, Ameiva plei, Ameiva atrigularis | ||
Ameiva pluvianotata, the Montiserrat ameiva, is a lizard species in the genus Ameiva. It is found on the Caribbean island of Montserrat in the Lesser Antilles.
The species is variable in color and pattern. The dorsal surface on males is reddish or gray-tan, with black speckling and lighter marbling; or it is dull green with slight markings and a dark blue head. The male's ventral surface is dull gray, and it has blue-gray spots on its upper thighs and sides of its tail. Females have a gray dorsal surface and a bluish underside. It is covered with light, widespread spots on its back, sides, legs, and tail. The flanks on females are dull green, sometimes with brown stripes present.
The Montiserrat ameiva has declined significantly since the Soufrière Hills volcano became active in 1995; eruptions have had a devastating effect on Montserrat overall.
Redonda ground lizard
A subspecies, the Redonda ground lizard (A. p. atrata), is found only on the uninhabited island of Redonda, which is within the jurisdiction of Antigua and Barbuda (though geographically closer to Montserrat). It is sometimes described as a separate species, A. atrata. The Redonda Ground Lizard is darkly colored, similar to the Sombrero Ameiva and Censky's Ameiva that also live on small and barren Caribbean islands.