Lepidophyma occulor
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.