Oplurus saxicola explained

Oplurus saxicola (marked Madagascar swift) is a saxicolous (rock dwelling) iguana. The name of this species, saxicola, comes from the Latin saxum, meaning stone or rock, as they live within that environment.

Description

Extremely depressed reddish-green body, with marked spots. White abdomen. Large throat. Eyes very large, of triangular form. The scales of the forefeet are webbed; the thighs of rear legs are muscular. Scales on the neck are of similar dimensions to those on the back.[1]

Distribution

The marked Madagascar swift is endemic to the province of Toliara in south-west Madagascar.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Grandidier. Alfred. Descriptions de quelques animaux nouveaux découverts, pendant l'année 1869, sur la côte ouest de Madagascar.. Revue et Magazine de Zoologie (Paris). 10 September 2014. ser. 2, vol. 21, p. 337-342.