Oplurus cuvieri
| Oplurus cuvieri | |
|---|---|
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| At Anjajavy Forest, Madagascar | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Lacertilia |
| Infraorder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Opluridae |
| Genus: | Oplurus |
| Species: | O. cuvieri |
| Binomial name | |
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Oplurus cuvieri (Gray, 1831) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Oplurus cuvieri, commonly known as the collared iguanid lizard, collared iguana, or Madagascan collared iguana, is a species of arboreal Malagasy iguana, the largest of six species in the genus Oplurus.
The specific name, cuvieri, is in honor of French naturalist Georges Cuvier.
As the common names suggest, O. cuvieri has a distinctive black collar that stands out against the body which is speckled with lighter spots. It has a large head, and the relatively short tail has spiny scales. The female is a duller brown colour.
The images below show considerable variation in markings and coloration.
At Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, showing a false eye on top of head
The collared iguana is found in the western tropical forests of Madagascar and on Grand Comore Island.
Two subspecies are recognized.
O. cuvieri has a mostly carnivorous diet.
Breeding is timed with the rainy season.
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Wikipedia