About Pholidoscelis exsul (Cope, 1862)
Size
Pholidoscelis exsul (originally published as Ameiva exsul) is a relatively large lizard. Males can reach a total length of up to 85 cm (33 in). The maximum recorded male snout-to-vent length (SVL) is 201 mm (7.9 in), while the maximum recorded female SVL is 99 mm (3.9 in).
Dorsal Coloration
Color patterns vary widely between individuals, populations, and islands. Individuals are predominantly gray, black, or brown, with large or small white dots along their backs. Dorsolateral stripes vary in number, length, and color.
Ventral Coloration
All individuals have a white or blue-white mottled stomach. The chin shield and throat patch are often light pink.
Juvenile Features
Juveniles generally have a bright blue tail and more dots than stripes. Like the closely related Pholidoscelis wetmorei (blue-tailed ground lizard), juveniles have a bright blue tail, but they lose this bright blue tail color with age.
Distribution Range
This species occurs in coastal habitats of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands. Within Puerto Rico, it is also found on the island of Isla Culebra and in Toro Negro State Forest.
Reproduction
Sexually mature females of this species bury 2–7 pink eggs approximately 100 mm (3.9 in) below ground in loose soil between June and August.
Lifespan
Individuals of Pholidoscelis exsul can live more than six years.
