Latastia longicaudata
Latastia longicaudata, also known as the common long-tailed lizard or southern long-tailed lizard, is a species of lizard belonging to the Lacertidae family. This species is native to northern sub-Saharan Africa and is characterized by its long tail, a feature implied by its common name. There are four recognized subspecies of this lizard.
Key Facts
- ›Native to northern sub-Saharan Africa.
- ›Belongs to the family Lacertidae.
- ›Has four recognized subspecies.
- ›The species name 'longicaudata' refers to its long tail.
- ›It is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.
- ›Found across a wide range of countries in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Common Long-Tailed Lizard, Southern Long-Tailed Lizard
Cameroon, Central African Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Yemen
- Characterized By A Long Tail, As Indicated By Its Scientific and Common Names.
About Latastia longicaudata
Latastia longicaudata, commonly referred to as the common long-tailed lizard or the southern long-tailed lizard, is a species within the Lacertidae family. This lizard is natively found across a broad region of northern sub-Saharan Africa. The species is distinguished by its notably long tail, a characteristic emphasized in both its scientific and common appellations.
Geographic Distribution and Subspecies
The geographic range of Latastia longicaudata is extensive, encompassing numerous countries in Africa and extending to Yemen. It has been recorded in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Yemen. Within this wide distribution, four distinct subspecies are recognized: Latastia longicaudata andersoni, Latastia longicaudata lanzai, Latastia longicaudata longicaudata (the nominotypical subspecies), and Latastia longicaudata revoili. The subspecific names 'lanzai' and 'revoili' honor the herpetologist Benedetto Lanza and naturalist Georges Révoil, respectively.
Reproduction
Latastia longicaudata is oviparous, meaning that reproduction occurs through the laying of eggs. Further details regarding specific reproductive behaviors, clutch sizes, or gestation periods are not extensively documented in available records.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Latastia longicaudata commonly known as?
Latastia longicaudata is commonly known as the common long-tailed lizard and the southern long-tailed lizard. These names highlight its distinctive physical characteristic and its general geographic distribution.
Where is Latastia longicaudata found?
This lizard species is native to northern sub-Saharan Africa. Its geographic range includes countries such as Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Yemen.
How does Latastia longicaudata reproduce?
Latastia longicaudata is oviparous. This means that the species reproduces by laying eggs.
Are there different types of Latastia longicaudata?
Yes, there are four recognized subspecies of Latastia longicaudata. These subspecies include L. l. andersoni, L. l. lanzai, L. l. longicaudata, and L. l. revoili.
What does the name 'longicaudata' refer to?
The specific epithet 'longicaudata' is derived from Latin and directly translates to 'long-tailed'. This name refers to the prominent characteristic of the lizard's lengthy tail.
Related Lizards
Aaron Bauer's house gecko
Aaron Bauer's house gecko is a species of lizard found in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. It is notable for its relatively large size within its genus, reaching up to 13 cm in snout-to-vent length. This species prefers rocky outcrops within forested areas as its natural habitat.
Ablepharus
Ablepharus, commonly known as snake-eyed skinks, are small lizards distinguished by fused eyelids that prevent blinking, similar to snakes. They inhabit dry fields, hills, and rocky areas, often concealed within leaf litter. These skinks possess shiny, bronze scales and a characteristic dark stripe along their sides, feeding primarily on small insects and mollusks.
Abor hills agama
The Abor Hills agama, scientifically known as Japalura austeniana, is a rare lizard species belonging to the Agamidae family, endemic to Asia. This species is characterized by its notably long tail relative to its body length. It has been documented in parts of India and Bhutan, with a significant rediscovery occurring in 2006.