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Interesting Creatures… The Giant Ameiva (Ameiva ameiva)
The giant ameiva (Ameiva ameiva), also known as green ameiva, South American ground lizard, giant whiptail, zandoli, and Amazon racerunner, is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae found in Central and South America and some Caribbean Islands.
Giant Ameiva
It is widespread in Central America and South America, including: Panama, Brazil, Colombia, Suriname, French Guiana, Guyana, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Paraguay. It is also found on the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, the Grenadines, Margarita, Swan Island, and Isla de la Providencia. It was also once present on Saint Vincent but has since been extirpated.
Ameiva ameiva has a streamlined body, pointed head, slightly forked tongue, and muscular hind legs. They grow to approximately 45–50 cm (18–20 in). Both sexes have random black specs and mottling along the sides. Females usually have much less green than males and a more dusty of a green colour. Males have vibrant green coloration and more bold mottling. Males also have more expanded jowels. Green ameivas are popular as a pet because of the male’s striking green coloration.
Giant ameiva live on the forest floor, often sheltering underneath logs and in leaf litter. Captive specimens have been observed making primitive tunnels spanning out from under a log or rock when given enough soil.
The giant ameiva’s diet consists of mainly insects, frogs, and spiders. In captivity mealworms are a favourite of the ameiva along with crickets.
The female lays several clutches of eggs from March to December.
This species has been introduced into the United States with thriving populations in South Florida. (Source: Wikipedia)
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