About Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825)
Common Names and Taxonomy
Tropidurus hispidus, commonly called Peters's lava lizard or neotropical lava lizard, is a species of lizard in the Tropiduridae family.
Geographic Distribution
It is distributed in Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
Size Characteristics
This species is the largest in the Tropidurus genus, with a maximum total length of 35 cm (14 in) and a snout–vent length of approximately 15 cm (6 in).
Diet
It feeds mainly on invertebrates including ants, spiders, and scorpions, but may occasionally hunt small vertebrates such as Hemydactylus mabouia.
Sexual Size Dimorphism
Males of this species are typically larger than females.
Male Territorial Behavior
Males often use head and body movements to intimidate other males that enter their territory, and interactions can escalate into head-to-head fights.
Male Bite Force
The bite force of large adult males can reach approximately 103 N (23 lbf).
