Oplurus quadrimaculatus

Oplurus quadrimaculatus, the Duméril's Madagascar Swift or Madagascar spotted spiny-tailed iguana, is a terrestrial malagasy iguana belonging to the family Opluridae.

Oplurus quadrimaculatus
near Isalo National Park
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Opluridae
Genus: Oplurus
Species:
O. maculatus
Binomial name
Oplurus maculatus
Duméril & Bibron, 1851
Synonyms
  • Centrura quadrimaculatus (Duméril & Bibron, 1851)
  • Hoplurus quadrimaculatus (Duméril & Bibron, 1851)
  • Oplurus montanus Grandidier, 1869

Description

Oplurus quadrimaculatus can reach a length of 25–39 centimetres (9.8–15.4 in). This iguana is greyish, with a spotted back and tail and legs covered with enlarged, spinous scales. It spends hours basking in sunlight. It is mainly insectivorous. Mating lasts just a few seconds and the eggs are laid in sheltered areas.

Distribution

This species is endemic to Madagascar. It can be found from the central areas up to the south of the country, at an elevation up to 2,050 metres (6,730 ft) above sea level.

Habitat

Madagascar spotted spiny-tailed iguana lives on loamy slopes, clay expanses and large rocks in various environment, from the arid regions in dry spiny forests to northern wetlands and humid areas close to the rainforest and in shrubland.

References
  • Duméril & Duméril, 1851 : Catalogue méthodique de la collection des reptiles du Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris. Gide et Baudry/Roret, Paris, p. 1-224


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