Kingdom Animalia Class Reptilia Family Anguidae Scientific name Coloptychon rhombifer Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Infraorder Anguimorpha Genus Coloptychon Phylum Chordata Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar Mesaspis, Scaled reptiles, Gerrhonotinae, Barisia, Celestus | ||
Coloptychon rhombifer, also known as the isthmian alligator lizard, is a species of lizard of the Anguidae family. C. rhombifer is found in both Costa Rica and Panama. Unlike many lizards near its habitat, individuals have lateral folds. They give birth to live young. Examples of the species had not been seen during the latter half of the 20th century.
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Taxonomy
First described by Wilhelm Peters in 1879 as Gerrhonotus rhombifer, the species was placed in the genus Coloptychon by Joseph A. Tihen in 1949, which was then confirmed by David A. Good in 1988.
Description
C. rhombifer is a broad-headed, long-bodied lizard, which is similar to Diploglossus monotropis. An adult measures from 35–50 centimetres (14–20 in) in total length, with the tail making up approximately two-thirds of the total length. The upper surface of the body is tan in color with black-edged brown crossbands, and does not have either orange or red markings. C. rhombifer is short-limbed, and has movable eyelids. A well-defined lateral fold, covering small scales, separates the ridges and rows of scales on the belly. The only other species of lizards in Costa Rica that also have lateral folds are of the genus Mesapis.
Reproduction
The isthmian alligator lizard is viviparous, meaning that as with mammals, the females bear live young.
Rarity
C. rhombifer had not been seen for fifty years, prior to being rediscovered in 2000 near Golfito, and is one of the rarest species of lizard in Costa Rica.
Habitat & Geographic range
The isthmian alligator lizard lives in the lowland rainforests of Costa Rica, and in western Panama. C. rhombifer can mostly be found on land, but has also been found living in trees.