MACDOUGALL’S TROPICAL NIGHT LIZARD
Lepidophyma dontomasi – Smith 1942
IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
The species is known only from the type locality on Cerro Lachiguiri, Oaxaca, Mexico at an elevation of 7,100′.
HABITAT:
This species has been found beneath fallen logs in pine forest (Smith, 1942) as well as in rock crevices and under rocks and dead Agave and Nolina in oak savanna (Bezy & Camarillo, 1992).
NATURAL HISTORY:
This species’ natural history is probably very similar to other Lepidophyma. It is viviparous and feeds largely on arthropods. It is probably both diurnal and nocturnal, like all species in the Genus.
TAXONOMY:
This species is closely related to the fine-scaled Lepidophyma: L. gaigeae, L. lowei and L. radula.
TYPE:
Described as Gaigeia dontomasi by H. M. Smith (1942). Holotype: USNM 111473. Type locality: ‘‘Lachiguiri, Oaxaca, [Mexico]
at 7,100 feet.’’
PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species, having never sought it in the field.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
I am not aware of the current official status of this species. It is known only to occur at a single locality, but certainly occurs more widely in the region. Deforestation has contributed to the loss of habitat of this lizard. Until populations are located elsewhere this species should be afforded some 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.
Smith, H. M. 1942. Mexican herpetological miscellany. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 92:349–395.