Poromera fordii
Oviparous (presumed)
Poromera fordii, commonly known as the West African striped lizard, is a species endemic to western Central Africa. This diurnal, semiarboreal lizard inhabits grassy and lower vegetation, often near streams. It is characterized by its moderately depressed body, distinctive keeled scales, and a long tail, with males exhibiting sexual dimorphism.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to western Central Africa, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- ›Diurnal and semiarboreal, preferring grassy and lower vegetation near water sources.
- ›Possesses a moderately depressed body with strongly keeled scales on its back and tail.
- ›Males show sexual dimorphism with a larger preanal plate and more developed femoral pores.
- ›Feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods.
- ›Tail is cylindrical and very long, measuring 2 to 2.5 times the length of the head and body.
West African Striped Lizard
Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Moderately Or Rather Feebly Depressed Body and Head.
- Scales On the Back Are Large, Platelike, Subimbricate, and Strongly Keeled, Forming 6 Or 8 Continuous Lines.
- Sides Are Covered With Small Juxtaposed Scales.
- Ventral Plates Are Pointed, Imbricate, Keeled, and Arranged In 8 Or 10 Longitudinal and 22-27 Transversal Rows.
- Males Have A Large Preanal Plate Bordered By A Semicircle of Pointed Keeled Scales; Females Have Pointed Keeled Scales In the Preanal Region.
- Digits Are Slightly Compressed With Tubercular Lamellae Interiorly.
- 10-15 Femoral Pores On Each Side Form A Long Series, More Developed In Males.
- Caudal Scales Are Pointed and Very Strongly Keeled.
- Tail Is Cylindrical and Very Long, 2 To 2.5 Times the Length of the Head and Body.
- Ground Color Is Dark Olive Above, Sometimes Bronze Or Copper-Colored Posteriorly.
- Two Light Dorsal Streaks, Greenish Or Bluish White, Sometimes Edged With Black, Originate From the Parietal Shield.
- Upper Lip Is Bluish Green.
- Lower Parts of the Body Are Greenish White In Front and Salmon-Pink Behind.
- Young May Have A Brownish Or Reddish Brown Tail With Dorsal Black Spots.
Insects, Other Arthropods
Diurnal Activity Patterns, Semiarboreal Lifestyle
About Poromera fordii
Poromera fordii: The West African Striped Lizard
The West African striped lizard, scientifically known as Poromera fordii, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Lacertidae. This species is the sole member of its genus, Poromera, and is endemic to the western Central African region. Its common name is derived from the distinctive light dorsal streaks that run along its body. The genus name, Poromera, refers to the prominent series of femoral pores found on its thighs, a characteristic particularly developed in males.
Description and Habitat
Poromera fordii exhibits a moderately depressed body and head. Its back is covered in large, keeled scales that form distinct lines, while its sides have smaller scales. A notable feature is its very long, cylindrical tail, which can be two to two-and-a-half times the length of its head and body. Sexual dimorphism is present, with males possessing a larger preanal plate and more developed femoral pores compared to females. The coloration typically includes a dark olive to bronze ground color on the back, punctuated by greenish or bluish-white dorsal streaks. The underside is often greenish-white at the front, fading to salmon-pink at the rear.
This lizard is diurnal and adopts a semiarboreal lifestyle, meaning it spends time both on the ground and in lower vegetation. It prefers habitats that are grassy and less dense, often found in the vicinity of permanent streams. Its geographical range spans across western Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (including Fernando Po Island), Gabon, and extends south into the western Democratic Republic of Congo, inhabiting altitudes from near sea level up to 900 meters.
Diet and Reproduction
The diet of Poromera fordii primarily consists of insects and other arthropods, positioning it as an insectivore. While detailed information on its reproductive biology is limited, it is presumed to be oviparous, laying eggs. The species name, fordii, was given in honor of Dr. Henry A. Ford, a medical missionary who was instrumental in collecting specimens for scientific study in Gabon.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the West African striped lizard?
The scientific name of the West African striped lizard is Poromera fordii. This name honors Dr. Henry A. Ford, a medical missionary who collected specimens in Gabon.
Where is Poromera fordii found?
Poromera fordii is distributed in western parts of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (Fernando Po Island), Gabon, and south to the Democratic Republic of Congo. It can be found from near sea level up to 900 meters in altitude.
What kind of habitat does the West African striped lizard prefer?
This species is a diurnal, semiarboreal forest dweller. It can be found in flimsy, grassy, and lower vegetation, often in close proximity to permanent streams.
What does Poromera fordii eat?
The diet of Poromera fordii consists mainly of insects and other arthropods. It is an insectivore, actively hunting its prey within its habitat.
How large does Poromera fordii get?
The snout-vent length of Poromera fordii can reach up to 65 mm (2.6 inches), with a total length of almost 220 mm (8.7 inches). The tail is notably long, making up a significant portion of its total length.
Are there any distinctive physical features of Poromera fordii?
Yes, Poromera fordii has a moderately depressed body and head, with scales that are strongly keeled, especially on the back and tail. Males also exhibit sexual dimorphism, including a larger preanal plate and more prominent femoral pores.
How does Poromera fordii reproduce?
The West African striped lizard presumably lays eggs. While specific details are not extensively documented, this oviparous reproduction is typical for many lizard species in the Lacertidae family.
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