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.