Tropidurus melanopleurus Boulenger, 1902

Species Nomenclature

This species is Tropidurus melanopleurus Boulenger, 1902, commonly called the Black Lava Lizard.

Female Head Coloration

Female individuals have a black to brown head marked with a prominent cream stripe running across the head's temporal region and back.

Female Dorsal Pattern

The female dorsum is black, marked with a series of 4 to 6 red, cream, and green bands or large spots.

Female Size

The average adult female snout-vent length (SVL) is approximately 64.2 +/- 4.2 mm.

Male Crest Coloration

Male individuals have matching colored vertebral and dorsal crests.

Male Dorsal Pattern

Adult males have a bright green dorsum that carries a bright orange color gradient leading toward the head, plus several small cream spots on the dorsal side.

Male Head and Neck Pattern

The orange coloration covering the neck and head is interwoven with a charcoal-colored reticulated pattern.

Male Size

The average adult male snout-vent length (SVL) is approximately 97.1 +/- 9.7 mm.

Geographic Distribution

This lizard is distributed along the eastern slopes of the Andes, ranging from southeastern Peru to northwestern Argentina, and occurs through parts of Bolivia including La Paz.

Habitat Characteristics

The species inhabits vertical, clifflike areas of tertiary sedimentary rock that feature gravel patches and very sparse vegetation.

Elevation Segregation

Within these rocky habitats, males are typically found at higher elevations than females.

Regional Habitat Temperature

At a frequently sighted location in Bolivia, Santa Cruz de La Sierra, the regional average summer high temperature is 78.8°F (26°C), and the average winter low temperature is 68.0°F (20°C).

Thermoregulation Strategy

Males of this species act as thermoregulators, while females are thermoconformers.

Thermoregulation Difference

This difference is demonstrated by the fact that females are generally active across a broader range of body temperatures.