IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: Lepidophyma occulor occurs primarily in the Jalpan Valley of northern Queretaro, Mexico. It has also been found in two caves (near Ahuacatlan and Tamazunchale) on the tropical Atlantic slope of adjacent San Luis Potosi and may occur in extreme eastern Guanajuato and Hidalgo.

HABITAT: In the Jalpan Valley this species [...]]]> JALPAN TROPICAL NIGHT LIZARD
Lepidophyma occulor – Smith 1942

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
Lepidophyma occulor occurs primarily in the Jalpan Valley of northern Queretaro, Mexico. It has also been found in two caves (near Ahuacatlan and Tamazunchale) on the tropical Atlantic slope of adjacent San Luis Potosi and may occur in extreme eastern Guanajuato and Hidalgo.

HABITAT:
In the Jalpan Valley this species occurs in Tropical Thornscrub, usually in the immediate vicinity of rocks where it can utilize crevices for shelter. I have found this species to be abundant within road culverts beneath the paved roads through the valley. On the tropical Atlantic slope this species has been found within caves in Tropical Deciduous and Tropical Evergreen Forest. See “Personal Notes” for more information.

NATURAL HISTORY:
This large species is both diurnal and nocturnal (see “Personal Notes”). As with all other Lepidophyma it is viviparous and insectivorus. It occurs in microsympatry with L. gaigeae and close to L. sylvaticum.

TAXONOMY:
This species is closely related to L. flavimaculatum, L. smithii and L. sylvaticum.

TYPE:
Described as Lepidophyma smithii occulor by H. M. Smith (1942). Holotype: USNM 47133. Type locality: ‘‘Jalpan, Queretaro.’’

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have found this common species in several different habitats and situations. On several occasions I have seen this species freshly hit on the highways at night shortly after it has rained. I have also seen L. occulor active at night within the ruins of Hacienda Conca, a derelict building along the highway north of Jalpan. During daylight hours I have found this species actively digging and foraging within road-cut crevices, road culvert pipes, and beneath cardboard trash scattered along the roadside. Finally, I found this species in the twilight zone of a cave within Tropical Deciduous Forest in San Luis Potosi; here it was found alongside Eleutherodactylus decoratus and Chiropterotriton magnipes.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
This species is common within it’s limited range; it occurs in a variety of habitats and amidst human habitations. There is no threat to the long-term survival of this species.

REFERENCES:
Smith, H. M. 1942. Mexican herpetological miscellany. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 92:349–395.

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: This species is found at moderate – high elevations of the Sierra Madre Oriental in Queretaro and Hidalgo, Mexico. It may also occur in adjacent areas of Guanajuato and San Luis Potosi along the foothills of the Sierra Gorda.

HABITAT: L. gaigeae is most commonly found within limestone crevices in [...]]]> GAIGE’S TROPICAL NIGHT LIZARD
Lepidophyma gaigeae – Mosauer 1936

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
This species is found at moderate – high elevations of the Sierra Madre Oriental in Queretaro and Hidalgo, Mexico. It may also occur in adjacent areas of Guanajuato and San Luis Potosi along the foothills of the Sierra Gorda.

HABITAT:
L. gaigeae is most commonly found within limestone crevices in pine–oak woodland along the Sierra Madre Oriental. It has also been found on an adobe wall at Hacienda Conca in thorn scrub habitat in the Jalpan Valley, Queretaro (Dixon et al., 1972), and in a cave in xerophytic scrub near the Rio Tula, Hidalgo (Gonzalez,1995).

NATURAL HISTORY:
This species appears to be largely diurnal, although it is not generally active abroad in daylight. A captive female gave birth to a single baby in March (Dixon et al., 1972). Like other species in the Genus, L. gaigeae feeds primarily on arthropods.

TAXONOMY:
This species is closely related to the fine-scaled Lepidophyma: L. dontomasi, L. lowei and L. radula.

TYPE:
Described as Lepidophyma gaigeae by W. Mosauer (1936). Holotype: MCZ 42145. Type locality: ‘‘Durango, State of Hidalgo,
Mexico.’’

PERSONAL NOTES:
I found this species in July, 2006 in the El Lobo region of Queretaro. Several individuals were found within limestone crevices during daylight hours and one was extracated to be photographed. The lizard photographed above was observed foraging within an extensive crevice for several minutes prior to capture. Other lizards found on the same hillside were Gerrhonotus ophiurus, Sceloporus torquatus, and S. grammicus.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
This species has a somewhat limited distribution but is abundant in suitable habitat. It appears to thrive in human-altered habitat and there appears to be no immediate threat to either local populations or the species as a whole.

REFERENCES:
Bezy, R.L., and J.L. Camarillo R. 1992. Systematics of Xantusiid lizards allied with Lepidophyma gaigeae Mosauer. Herpetologica 48:97–110.
Dixon, J.R., C.A. Ketchersid, and C.S. Lieb. 1972. The herpetofauna of Queretaro, Mexico, with remarks on taxonomic problems. Southwestern Naturalist 16:225–237.
Gonzalez A., A. 1995. Distributional notes for the night lizard Lepidophyma gaigeae. Herpetological Review 26:15.
Mosauer, W. 1936. A new Xantusiid lizard of the Genus Lepidophyma. Herpetologica 1:3–5.

CAVE DWELLING TROPICAL NIGHT LIZARD Lepidophyma micropholis – Walker 1955

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: This species is known to occur at several localities in the Sierra del Abra of southern Tamaulipas and adjacent San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

HABITAT: L. micropholis is found within limestone caves and rock outcrops within Tropical Deciduous Forest.

NATURAL HISTORY: Within the caves, the [...]]]>
Adult, 600′, Tamaulipas, Mexico

Adult, 600′, Tamaulipas, Mexico

CAVE DWELLING TROPICAL NIGHT LIZARD
Lepidophyma micropholis – Walker 1955

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
This species is known to occur at several localities in the Sierra del Abra of southern Tamaulipas and adjacent San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

HABITAT:
L. micropholis is found within limestone caves and rock outcrops within Tropical Deciduous Forest.

NATURAL HISTORY:
Within the caves, the lizards have been observed active during the day near the mouth, where they are found on ledges and in crevices in the walls and mud floor (Walker, 1955). This species is viviparous and feeds primarily on arthropods. It occurs in sympatry with Syrrhophus dennisi, another lowland cave specialist.

TAXONOMY:
This species is closely related to L. sylvaticum.

TYPE:
Described as Lepidophyma micropholis by C. F. Walker (1955). Holotype: UMMZ 101298. Type locality: ‘‘cave at El Pachon, about 5 miles NNE of Antigua Morelos, Tamaulipas, estimated elevation 600–700 feet.’’

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have seen this species in both Cueva del Pachon, and the Grutas de Quintero. On both occasions I found adult specimens within the twilight zone of the cave’s mouth. The regionally endemic Syrrhophus dennisi was seen in both caves as well.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
This species appears to be in no danger of local or widespread population decline. Cueva del Pachon is protected by the local people because a blind cave tetra (fish) occurs within the cave’s waters.

REFERENCES:
Walker, C.F. 1955. Two new lizards of the genus Lepidophyma from Tamaulipas. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Zoology of the University of Michigan 564:1–10.

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: In Mexico, this species occurs on Atlantic slopes from the Tuxtlas region of Veracruz south through eastern Oaxaca, southern Tabasco and Chiapas to Guatemala; it also occurs in coastal Quintana Roo.

HABITAT: This versatile species occurs at low and moderate elevations in tropical moist forest, tropical dry [...]]]> YELLOW-SPOTTED NIGHT LIZARD
Lepidophyma flavimaculatum – Dumeril, in Dumeril & Dumeril 1851

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
In Mexico, this species occurs on Atlantic slopes from the Tuxtlas region of Veracruz south through eastern Oaxaca, southern Tabasco and Chiapas to Guatemala; it also occurs in coastal Quintana Roo.

HABITAT:
This versatile species occurs at low and moderate elevations in tropical moist forest, tropical dry forest, and subtropical wet forest, where it is found beneath the bark of and in rotting logs and tree stumps, in forest litter, under bark, under rocks, and in rock crevices, caves, and ruins.

NATURAL HISTORY:
This species has been reported to consume termites, ants, crickets, spiders, scorpions, centipedes, and millipedes. In return it is preyed upon by snakes such as Dryadophis melanolomus and Drymarchon corais. In Chiapas, this species is reported to give birth to five to eight young in June and July (A lvarez del Toro, 1982). L. flavimaculatum occurs in sympatry with L. pajapanense in Veracruz; with L. tuxtlae in Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas; with L. lipetzi in Chiapas and with L. mayae in Guatemala.

TAXONOMY:
Closely related to L. sylvaticum, L. mayae and L. lipetzi. Populations of this species in Panama and Costa Rica lack males and may represent a novel species.

TYPE:
Described as Lepidophyma flavimaculatus by A. Dumeril in Dumeril and Dumeril (1851). Holotype: MNHN 782. Type locality: ‘‘Province du Peten (America centrale)’’ (restricted to Rio de la Pasion, Guatemala, by Smith and Taylor, 1950).

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have never found this species in the wild.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
This species is widespread and common; it probably does not require any special protection status.

REFERENCES:
Alvarez del Toro, M. 1982. Los reptiles de Chiapas. Tercera Edicion. Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico: Instituto de Historia Natural. 248 pp.
Dumeril, A.M.C., and A.H.A. Dumeril. 1851. Catalogue methodique de la collection des reptiles du Museum d’Histoire Naturelle. Paris: Gide & Boudry, iv 1 224 pp.

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: This species has only been recorded from the type locality as well as Cafetal Alemania in the Sierra de Miahuatlan of Oaxaca, Mexico. It probably occurs throughout the Sierra de Miahuatlan, and may also occur elsewhere in the Sierra Madre del Sur.

HABITAT: Little has been described regarding the habitat [...]]]> MIAHUATLAN TROPICAL NIGHT LIZARD
Lepidophyma lineri – Smith 1973

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
This species has only been recorded from the type locality as well as Cafetal Alemania in the Sierra de Miahuatlan of Oaxaca, Mexico. It probably occurs throughout the Sierra de Miahuatlan, and may also occur elsewhere in the Sierra Madre del Sur.

HABITAT:
Little has been described regarding the habitat of this species, but the type locality consists of Tropical Deciduous Forest.

NATURAL HISTORY:
Little is known regarding this species’ natural history, although it is probably very similar to that of L. smithi.

TAXONOMY:
L. lineri is closely related to L. smithi; more specimens are needed to clarify this relationship.

TYPE:
Described as Lepidophyma flavimaculatum lineri by Smith (1973). Holotype: UCM 48452. Type locality, ‘‘Cafetal Pacifico, 2.1 mi. N and 0.4 mi. E Candelaria Loxicha, Oaxaca, on the trail to Cafetal Hedweges (about 17 km. N Pochutla).’’

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species, having never sought it in the field.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
Although this species is only known from a small region, there is little evidence that it is in decline; however, deforestation is a problem in this region and may result in the local population decline of this species.

REFERENCES:
Smith, H. M. 1973. A tentative rearrangement of the lizards of the genus Lepidophyma. Journal of Herpetology 7:109–123.

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: This species is known from the Ixtlahuacan region of Colima, as well as the rocky coast and Sierra de Coalcoman (Canyon of the Rio Chilitos) of Michoacan, Mexico.

HABITAT: Lepidophyma tarascae is found in caves, ravines and rocky outcrops in Tropical Semi-Deciduous Forest and Evergreen Oak Woodland. [...]]]> TARASCAN TROPICAL NIGHT LIZARD
Lepidophyma tarascae – Bezy, Webb and Alvarez 1982

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
This species is known from the Ixtlahuacan region of Colima, as well as the rocky coast and Sierra de Coalcoman (Canyon of the Rio Chilitos) of Michoacan, Mexico.

HABITAT:
Lepidophyma tarascae is found in caves, ravines and rocky outcrops in Tropical Semi-Deciduous Forest and Evergreen Oak Woodland.

NATURAL HISTORY:
This species is viviparous, insectivorous and both diurnal and nocturnal. Little is known of this species’ specific natural history.

TAXONOMY:
Lepidophyma tarascae is closely allied to L. smithii and L. lineri.

TYPE:
Described as Lepidophyma tarascae by R. L. Bezy, R. G. Webb and T. Alvarez (1982). Holotype: IPN 9221. Type locality: Near Mexiquillo, Aquila District, Michoacan, Mexico.

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have looked for this species once in Ixtlahuacan, Colima but we failed to find any individuals.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
This species is in no danger of local or widespread population decline.

REFERENCES:
Alvarez, T., and E. Diaz-Pardo. 1983. Estudio de una coleccion herpetofaunistica de la costa de Michoacan, Mexico. Anales de la Escuela Nacional de Ciencia Biologia Mexico 27:129–147.
Bezy, R.L., R.G. Webb, and T. Alvarez. 1982. A new species of the genus Lepidophyma (Sauria: Xantusiidae) from Michoacan, Mexico. Herpetologica 38:361–366.
Guzman-Villa, U., O. Flores-Villela, W. Schmidt-Ballardo, and R.L. Bezy. 1998. Variation, distribution, and taxonomic status of the Xantusiid lizard Lepidophyma tarascae. Herpetological Review 29:78.

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: This species occurs in the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas of Veracruz (between Volcan San Martin Tuxtla and Volcan San Martin Pajapan), and in the vicinity of the Rio Coatzacoalcos near Jesus Carranza, Veracruz. Elevational distribution from 0-1500 m. The record of a specimen from Huayacacotla, Veracruz (Aguilar Cortes [...]]]> PAJAPAN TROPICAL NIGHT LIZARD
Lepidophyma pajapanense – Werler 1957

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
This species occurs in the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas of Veracruz (between Volcan San Martin Tuxtla and Volcan San Martin Pajapan), and in the vicinity of the Rio Coatzacoalcos near Jesus Carranza, Veracruz. Elevational distribution from 0-1500 m. The record of a specimen from Huayacacotla, Veracruz (Aguilar Cortes et al., 1990) is in now in doubt (Bezy and Camarillo, 2002).

HABITAT:
In the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas this species is reported to be found beneath the bark and between the buttresses of trees within the rain forest (Vogt et al., 1997).

NATURAL HISTORY:
This species is reportedly nocturnal, and like other members of the Genus, viviparous and insectivorus. It is found in microsympatry with L. tuxtlae in the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas, and in sympatry with both L. tuxtlae and L. flavimaculatum near the Rio Coatzacoalcos. The male and female reproductive cycles are reportedly asynchronous and four to eight young are born in late May or early June (Mendez-de la Cruz et al., 1999).

TAXONOMY:

TYPE:
Described as Lepidophyma pajapanensis by J. E. Werler (1957). Holotype: FMNH 78382. Type locality: ‘‘southeast slopes of Volcan San Martin Pajapan, Veracruz, Mexico; elevation 3,500 feet.’’ Nomenclature corrected to Lepidophyma pajapanense by Perez-Higareda (1978).

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have never found this species in the wild despite spending 2 days in the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
This species occurs within protected areas in the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas, and is probably not in need of any special protection.

REFERENCES:
Aguilar Cortes, R., J.L. Camarillo R., and R.L. Bezy. 1990. Distribution, species status, and reproductive mode of the xantusiid lizard Lepidophyma pajapanensis. Southwestern Naturalist 35:273–274.
Mendez-de la Cruz, F.R., M. Villagran-Santa Cruz, O. Hernandez-Gallegos, N.L. Manriquez-Moran, and F.J. Rodriguez-Romero. 1999. Reproductive cycle of the tropical night lizard Lepidophyma pajapanensis from Veracruz, Mexico. Journal of Herpetology 33:336–339.
Vogt, R.C., J.L. Villareal Benitz, and G. Perez-Higareda. 1997. Lista anotada de anfibios y reptiles. In Historia natural de los Tuxtlas, ed. E. Gonzalez Soriano, R. Dirzo, and R.C. Vogt, 507–522. Mexico: Universidad Autonoma de Mexico.
Werler, J.E. 1957. A new lizard of the genus Lepidophyma from Volcan San Martin Pajapan. Herpetologica 13:223–226.

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: This species is known only from the type locality in northwestern Chiapas, Mexico.

HABITAT: The only two specimens known were collected from the walls of caves; these caves lie within Tropical Forest.

NATURAL HISTORY: This species occurs in sympatry with L. flavimaculatum at the type locality. It’s [...]]]> LIPETZ’ TROPICAL NIGHT LIZARD
Lepidophyma lipetzi – Smith & Alvarez del Toro 1977

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
This species is known only from the type locality in northwestern Chiapas, Mexico.

HABITAT:
The only two specimens known were collected from the walls of caves; these caves lie within Tropical Forest.

NATURAL HISTORY:
This species occurs in sympatry with L. flavimaculatum at the type locality. It’s natural history is probably similar to that of L. smithi and L. sylvaticum.

TAXONOMY:
This species is closely related to L. flavimaculatum, L. chicoasense and L. mayae.

TYPE:
Described as Lepidophyma lipetzi by H. M. Smith and M. Alvarez del Toro (1977). Holotype: UCM 51425. Type locality: ‘‘Lago de Mal Paso, headwaters of Rio de La Venta, 30 km N Cintalapa (straight line), Chiapas, Mexico.’’

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species, having never sought it in the wild.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
This species is known only from a single locality in a region where deforestation is occuring at an alarming rate. If it is a cave specialist, deforestation may not pose a direct threat to it’s survival but more research is needed to determine this. Until more data becomes available, this species should be afforded special protection.

REFERENCES:
Smith, H.M., and M. Alvarez del Toro. 1977. A new troglodytic lizard (Reptilia, Lacertilia, Xantusiidae) from Mexico. Journal of Herpetology 11:37–40.

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: Lepidophyma tuxtlae is known from the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas of Veracruz, Sierra de Juarez of Oaxaca, Rio Coatzacoalcos and Sierra Atravesada of eastern Veracruz and Oaxaca, and Selva de Ocote region of Chiapas, Mexico. Elevational distribution to 1,500 meters.

HABITAT: Vogt (1997) reports this species as inhabiting trees [...]]]> TROPICAL NIGHT LIZARD
Lepidophyma tuxtlae – Werler & Shannon 1957

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
Lepidophyma tuxtlae is known from the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas of Veracruz, Sierra de Juarez of Oaxaca, Rio Coatzacoalcos and Sierra Atravesada of eastern Veracruz and Oaxaca, and Selva de Ocote region of Chiapas, Mexico. Elevational distribution to 1,500 meters.

HABITAT:
Vogt (1997) reports this species as inhabiting trees within the rainforest of the Tuxtlas region of Veracruz. It has also been found within rotting logs and beneath the bark of tree stumps.

NATURAL HISTORY:
This species is viviparous, largely insectivorous (some plant material has been found in stomachs of preserved specimens) and both diurnal and nocturnal (Vogt, 1997). It occurs in sympatry with L. pajapanense in the Tuxtlas and Rio Coatzacoalcos regions and with L. flavimaculatum in the Selva de Ocote and Rio Coatzacoalcos regions. Males are reportedly rare at study localities in the Tuxtlas region. Females give birth to 3-6 young in late June and early July.

TAXONOMY:
This species is closely allied to the sympatric L. pajapanense.

TYPE:
Described as Lepidophyma tuxtlae by J. E. Werler and F. A. Shannon (1957). Holotype: UIMNH 67064. Type locality: ‘‘lower slopes of Volcan San Martin, Veracruz, Mexico, elevation 2,500 feet.’’

PERSONAL NOTES:
Although I have visited the Tuxtlas region of Veracruz, I have no experience with this species.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
This species is in no danger of decline.

REFERENCES:
Castillo-Ceron, J.M., and C.A. Lopez-Gonzalez. 1990. Notes on the biology and status of a population of Lepidophyma tuxtlae in the Sierra Santa Marta, Veracruz, Mexico. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society 26:153–158.
Vogt, R.C., J.L. Villareal Benitz, and G. Perez-Higareda. 1997. Lista anotada de anfibios y reptiles. In Historia natural de los Tuxtlas, ed. E. Gonzalez Soriano, R. Dirzo, and R.C. Vogt, 507–522. Mexico: Universidad Autonoma de Mexico.
Werler, J. E., and F. A. Shannon. 1957. A new lizard of the genus Lepidophyma from Veracruz, Mexico. Herpetologica 13:119–122.

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: Lepidophyma lowei is known from pine-oak woodland in the Sierra de Juarez of eastern Oaxaca, Mexico. Elevational distribution is around 2,200 m.

HABITAT: This species is known from rock crevices within pine-oak woodland.

NATURAL HISTORY: The natural history of this species is probably very similar to that of [...]]]> LOWE’S TROPICAL NIGHT LIZARD
Lepidophyma lowei – Bezy & Camarillo 1997

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
Lepidophyma lowei is known from pine-oak woodland in the Sierra de Juarez of eastern Oaxaca, Mexico. Elevational distribution is around 2,200 m.

HABITAT:
This species is known from rock crevices within pine-oak woodland.

NATURAL HISTORY:
The natural history of this species is probably very similar to that of L. gaigeae, it’s northern relative. A female gave birth to four offspring in April (Camarillo, 1999).

TAXONOMY:
This species is closely related to the fine-scaled Lepidophyma: L. gaigeae, L. dontomasi and L. radula.

TYPE:
Described as Lepidophyma lowei by R. L. Bezy and J. L. Camarillo R. (1997). Holotype: IBH 7500. Type locality: ‘‘4.0 km (by rd) SE San Bartolome Zoogocho, Municipio Zoogocho, former Distrito Villa Alta, Oaxaca, Mexico (17°14′N, 96°15′W; ca. 2200 m elev.).’’

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have never found this species, having never sought it in the field.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
This species is known from a few localities in a rugged mountainous region; it is probably more widespread than currently realized. It is probably not in danger of local extirpation and may not require any special protection.

REFERENCES:
Bezy, R.L., and J.L. Camarillo R. 1992. Systematics of Xantusiid lizards allied with Lepidophyma gaigeae Mosauer. Herpetologica 48:97–110.
Camarillo R., J. L. 1999. Lepidophyma lowei. Reproduction. Herpetological Review 30:97.