Kingdom Animalia Order Squamata Family Teiidae Scientific name Ameiva ameiva Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Suborder Lacertilia Genus Ameiva Higher classification Ameiva | |
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Similar Ameiva, Reptile, Teiidae, Kentropyx, Scaled reptiles | ||
Giant ameiva lizard juvenile
The giant ameiva (Ameiva ameiva), also known as green ameiva, South American ground lizard, giant whiptail, zandoli, Amazon whiptail, and Amazon racerunner, is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae found in Central and South America and some Caribbean Islands.
Contents
- Giant ameiva lizard juvenile
- Jungle runner giant ameiva ameiva ameiva devouring animals insect
- Geographic range
- Description
- Habitat
- Diet
- Reproduction
- Invasive species
- Parasites
- References
Jungle runner giant ameiva ameiva ameiva devouring animals insect
Geographic range
It is widespread in Central America and South America, including: Panama, Brazil, Colombia, Surinam, French Guiana, Guyana, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Paraguay. It is also found on the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, the Grenadines, Margarita, Swan Island, and Isla de la Providencia. It was also once present on Saint Vincent but has since been extirpated.
Description
Ameiva ameiva has a streamlined body, pointed head, slightly forked tongue, and muscular hind legs. They grow to approximately 45–50 cm (18–20 in). Both sexes have random black specs and mottling along the sides. Females usually have much less green than males and a more dusty of a green color. Males have vibrant green coloration and more bold mottling. Males also have more expanded jowls. Green ameivas are popular as a pet because of the male's striking green coloration.
Habitat
Giant ameiva live on the forest floor, often sheltering underneath logs and in leaf litter. Captive individuals have been observed making tunnels spanning out from under a log or rock when given enough soil.
Diet
The giant ameiva's diet consists of mainly insects, frogs, and spiders. In captivity, mealworms are a favorite of the ameiva along with crickets.
Reproduction
The female lays several clutches of eggs from March to December.
Invasive species
This species has been introduced into the United States with thriving populations in South Florida.
Parasites
This species is infected by a number of protist parasites including: