Brazilian galliwasp explained

The Brazilian galliwasp (Diploglossus lessonae) is a carnivorous species of lizard.

Distribution

Known in Brazil as the “Calango Coral” or “Calango Liso”, it is endemic to northeastern Brazil.

Etymology

D. lessonae is named in honour of Italian zoologist Michele Lessona.^[1]

Description

D. lessonae grows to a total length (including tail) of about 30cm (10inches), and has a lifespan of roughly 10 years. Offspring are zebra-patterned, with white and black stripes circling their bodies. Adults are brown, with red/yellow-coloured heads and undersides, and have small legs.

Habitat

D. lessonae is commonly found in semiarid environments, scrub, and low forests.

Further reading

• Peracca MG. 1890. Descrizione di una nuova specie del gen. DIPLOGLOSSUS - Wiegm. ". Bollettino dei Musei di Zoologia ed Anatomia comparata della R. Università di Torino 5: (77): 1-5 (unnumbered). (Diploglossus lessonae, new species). (in Italian).

External links

• zoologico.sp.gov.br (in Portuguese. Translation)

Notes and References

1. Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. . (Diploglossus lessonae, p. 156).