Subphylum Vertebrata Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Lacertilia | |
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Similar Diplolaemus, Diplolaemus leopardinus, Leiosauridae, Liolaemus nitidus, Pristidactylus volcanensis | ||
Diplolaemus darwinii, commonly known as Darwin's iguana, is a species of lizard native to the southern tip of South America.
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Etymology
Both the specific name, darwinii, and the common name, Darwin's iguana, are in honor of Charles Darwin, English naturalist and author of On the Origin of Species.
Geographic range
It is found in the Patagonian Desert in southern Argentina and Chile.
Description
Darwin's iguana has a broad, triangular head and strong jaws.
Diet
Its diet mostly consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Habitat
It is found on the Patagonian steppes from sea level up to elevations of 700 m (2,297 ft).
Conservation status
The IUCN has listed Darwin's iguana as being of "Least Concern" because of its wide range and the lack of any identified threats to the species.
References
Darwin's iguana Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA