Amphibolurus
| Amphibolurus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Tree dragon Amphibolurus muricatus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Agamidae |
| Subfamily: | Amphibolurinae |
| Genus: | Amphibolurus Wagler, 1830 |
Amphibolurus is a genus of lizards native to Australia.
Description
Characteristics of the genus Amphibolurus include:
- Moderate size [snout–vent length 8.4–13.5 cm (3.3–5.3 in)]
- Long limbs and long tail
- One to five crests consisting of enlarged, sometimes spinose scales (one nuchal and vertebral crest, sometime one or two dorsal crests on each side)
- Tympanum exposed
- One to 11 femoral pores and one to three preanal pores on each side
- Pattern usually includes three broad pale dorsal stripes, and some blotches on a usually brown ground coloration
Habitat
Amphibolurus lizards inhabit woodlands in temperate and semiarid areas, as well as riverine vegetation in the tropical areas of Australia.
Behaviour
Species in the genus Amphibolurus are partially arboreal and are often found perching on trunks and branches. Lizards of this genus are swift and shy, and when disturbed, they can engage in bipedal running.
Species
List according to Wilson & Swan (2011):[1]
- Amphibolurus burnsi (Wells & Wellington, 1985)
- Amphibolurus gilberti (Gray, 1842)
- Amphibolurus longirostris (Boulenger, 1883)
- Amphibolurus muricatus (White, 1790)
- Amphibolurus nobbi Witten, 1972
- Amphibolurus norrisi Witten & Coventry, 1984
- Amphibolurus temporalis (Günther, 1867)
Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Amphibolurus.
References
- ↑ Wilson S, Swan G (2011). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. Sydney, Auckland, London, Cape Town: New Holland Publishers. 558 pp. ISBN 978-1877069765.
Further reading
- Wagler J (1830). Natürliches System der AMPHIBIEN, mit vorangehender Classification der SÄUGTHIERE und VÖGEL. Ein Beitrag zur vergleichenden Zoologie. Munich, Stuttgart and Tübingen: J.G. Cotta. vi + 354 pp. + one plate. (Amphibolurus, new genus, p. 145). (in German and Latin).
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