Lepidophyma lineri
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.