South American ground lizard
(Ameiva ameiva)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Ameiva ameiva is native to Central and South America. South American ground lizards were introduced to the United States as escaped pets from the pet trade.
Life Cycle
South American ground lizards are brown and green in coloration for both sexes. They are a medium-sized lizard with a weight of 2 oz (60 g) and a length of 4.7-5.1 in. (120-130 mm). A. ameiva primarily consumes invertebrates. Sexual maturity is reached when individuals reach a length of 3.9 in. (100 mm) or approximately 8 months after hatching. During reproduction, females lay eggs and incubate for about 5 months with young hatching typically during the rainy season. South American ground lizards are diurnal and solitary with not much else know about their behavior.
Distribution
A. ameiva are established in south Florida.
Control Efforts
South American ground lizards can harbor diseases and are aggressive.
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ameiva_ameiva/
Ameiva ameiva is native to Central and South America. South American ground lizards were introduced to the United States as escaped pets from the pet trade.
Life Cycle
South American ground lizards are brown and green in coloration for both sexes. They are a medium-sized lizard with a weight of 2 oz (60 g) and a length of 4.7-5.1 in. (120-130 mm). A. ameiva primarily consumes invertebrates. Sexual maturity is reached when individuals reach a length of 3.9 in. (100 mm) or approximately 8 months after hatching. During reproduction, females lay eggs and incubate for about 5 months with young hatching typically during the rainy season. South American ground lizards are diurnal and solitary with not much else know about their behavior.
Distribution
A. ameiva are established in south Florida.
Control Efforts
South American ground lizards can harbor diseases and are aggressive.
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ameiva_ameiva/
Resources
- Wikipedia - Wikimedia Foundation, Inc
- Animal Diversity Web - University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Reptilia |
| Order: Squamata |
| Suborder: Sauria |
| Family: Teiidae |
| Genus: Ameiva |
| Ameiva ameiva |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.