''Pristidactylus torquatus'', commonly known as lagarto de bosque, the southern grumbler, or the forest lizard, is a species of

lizard Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with over 7,000 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most oceanic island chains. The group is paraphyletic since it excludes the snakes and Amphisbaenia alt ...

in the family Iguanidae. The

specific name Specific name may refer to: * in Database management systems, a system-assigned name that is unique within a particular database In taxonomy, either of these two meanings, each with its own set of rules: * Specific name (botany), the two-part (bino ...

is derived from the Latin "torquatus" meaning wearing a twisted collar or necklace. This species is endemic to the Bío Bío Region, the Araucanía Region and the Los Lagos Regions of Chile.

Description

''Pristidactylus torquatus'' is a robust lizard with strong legs and a large head. The back is generally reddish-brown with large patches of grey and there is a dark collar around the throat. The underside is paler and the region round the vent is greenish-yellow. This lizard grows to a snout-to-vent length of about .

Distribution and habitat

''Pristidactylus torquatus'' is endemic to Chile where it is found on the west side of the Andes between 35° and 42° south. The regions in which it is found are Biobío, La Araucania and Los Lagos. Its natural habitat is the extensive southern beech forests ('' Nothofagus'') that grow in this temperate climate.

Behaviour

''Pristidactylus torquatus'' is a terrestrial species and is found mainly on the ground under the forest trees. It feeds chiefly on beetles which it chews up with its strong jaws. The female lays a clutch of about six eggs in a hole in the sand.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q5313779 Pristidactylus Reptiles of Chile Reptiles described in 1861 Taxa named by Rodolfo Amando Philippi Endemic fauna of Chile