About Callopistes maculatus Gravenhorst, 1838
Scientific Name and Size
This species, scientifically named Callopistes maculatus Gravenhorst, 1838, is the largest lizard found in Chile, growing up to 50 centimeters, or 20 inches, in total length.
Habitat
Ecologically, it most commonly occurs in rocky, sandy scrubland habitats.
Distribution and Elevation
It can be found in regions including the Atacama Desert, and lives at elevations below 500 meters.
Parasitic Mite Discovery
In 2015, researchers found that this species hosts a previously unknown genus and species of parasitic mite: Callopistiella atacamensis.
Mite Etymology
This new mite genus was named after the host lizard genus Callopistes.
