Griswold's ameiva (Pholidoscelis griswoldi) is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is endemic to Antigua and Barbuda, where it is found on both islands. It is also known commonly as the Antiguan ameiva and the Antiguan ground lizard.[3]

Griswold's ameiva
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Teiidae
Genus: Pholidoscelis
Species:
P. griswoldi
Binomial name
Pholidoscelis griswoldi
Barbour, 1916
Synonyms[2]
  • Ameiva griswoldi
    — Barbour, 1916
  • Pholidoscelis griswoldi
    Goicoechea et al., 2016

Etymology

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The specific name, griswoldi, is in honor of Dr. Donald W. Griswold who was Director of the Rockefeller West Indian Hookworm Commission.[4]

Geographic range

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P. griswoldi is common on Barbuda, and more common on the offshore islands of Antigua than on that main island.[citation needed]

Habitat

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The preferred natural habitat of P. griswoldi is forest, but it is also found in cities.[1]

Description

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Populations of P. griswoldi on Barbuda are dark brown with irregular, cream-colored splotches. The flanks are pale blue-green and tan, with black spots and markings. The ventral surface is gray with black on its chest.[citation needed]

Diet

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P. griswoldi preys upon invertebrates, small lizards, and bird eggs, and it will also eat food scraps left by humans.[1]

Reproduction

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P. griswoldi is oviparous.[1][2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Dewynter, M.; Daltry, J.C.; Powell, R. (2017). "Pholidoscelis griswoldi ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T50009821A121641260. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T50009821A121641260.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Species Pholidoscelis griswoldi at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
  3. ^ "The Bigger Picture". Antiguan Racer Conservation Project. 2001. Archived from the original on 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2007-12-21.
  4. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Ameiva griswoldi, p. 109).

Further reading

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