Common Puerto Rican Ameiva
- Kennysha Ramirez
- Jul 24, 2020
- 1 min read
Common name: Common Puerto Rican Ameiva/ Puerto Rican Giant Groundlizard
Scientific name: Pholidoscelis exsul
Found in: The Puerto Rico Archipielago, United States Virgin Islands, and British Virgin Islands
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Sexual Dimorphism: Males are larger in size than females
In Puerto Rico, this species of lizard is called "lucia". Their young are the same color, except for their tail which is a blue color. Once they mature, their tail turns the same shade as their body.
I'm sure they are mostly insectivorous, but I have observed them eating larger pieces of meat when they get the chance. This beautiful fella was hanging around the outside cafeteria tables at the University of Puerto Rico, waiting for some food to fall.
Comments