Holbrookia propinqua

keeled earless lizard
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Suborder:Iguania
Family:Phrynosomatidae
Genus:Holbrookia
Species: H. propinqua
Binomial name
Holbrookia propinqua
Baird & Girard, 1852

Holbrookia propinqua (keeled earless lizard) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard.

Geographic range

It is found primarily in Mexico, in the states of Tamaulipas and Veracruz, but it also ranges to the United States, in southern Texas.

Description

The dorsal scales are small, pointed, and keeled, as the common name implies. The lateral scales are similar but smaller. The ventral scales, which are flat and smooth, are 3-4 times larger than the dorsal scales. Adults may attain 62 mm (2 12 in) snout to vent length (SVL), 140 mm (5 12 in) total length.[1]

Habitat

sandy dunes and barrier beaches.

Subspecies

There are three recognized subspecies of Holbrookia propinqua:

  • northern keeled earless lizard, Holbrookia propinqua propinqua Baird & Girard, 1852
  • southern keeled earless lizard, Holbrookia propinqua piperata H.M. Smith & Burger, 1950
  • Stone's keeled earless lizard, Holbrookia propinqua stonei Harper, 1932

References

  1. Smith, H.M. and E.D. Brodie, Jr. 1982. Reptiles of North America, A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Press. New York. pp. 128-129.


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