In dry forests and more open situations than occur at Chinaja this
little anole is abundant, but in the wet forests of southern El Peten,
only three specimens were found. Two were on palm fronds about two
meters above the ground; the other was on a low bush. I suspect that
ecologically this species overlaps _A. humilis uniformis_ and _A.
lemurinus bourgeaei_, but too few observations are recorded to justify a
definite statement at this time.
=Anolis sericeus sericeus= Hallowell
Chinaja, 2; Sayaxche, 1; Toocog, 1.
This small anole is common and widespread in the Atlantic lowlands of
southern Mexico and northern Central America; usually it inhabits
sub-humid regions. Consequently, its presence in the wet forests of
southern El Peten was unexpected. The specimens from Chinaja were
sleeping on low bushes at night, whereas the others were found on bushes
by day.
=Basiliscus vittatus= Wiegmann
Chinaja, 6; Rio de la Pasion, 1; Rio San Roman, 1; Sayaxche,
3; Toocog, 1.
Individuals of this abundant species were most frequently seen in dense
bushes along the margins of rivers or small streams. None was observed
far from water. These lizards, like the anoles, are known locally as
_toloque_.
=Corythophanes cristatus= (Merrem)
Chinaja, 3; 20 km. NNW of Chinaja, 1.
Three individuals were found on tree trunks; the fourth was on a thick
vine about one meter above the ground. The two largest males have
snout-vent lengths of 121 and 115 mm. and tail lengths of 265 and 243
mm. The largest female (KU 59603), obtained on June 28, has a snout-vent
length of 125 mm. and a tail length of 247 mm. This individual contained
eight ova varying in greatest diameter from 10.6 to 12.2 (average 11.1)
mm. Also present are numerous ovarian eggs having diameters up to about
3.5 mm.
One of the large males displayed a defensive behavior prior to capture.
When first observed the lizard was clinging to a tree trunk about one
and one-half meters above the ground. When I approached, the lizard
turned its flanks towards me; then it flattened the body laterally,
extended the dewlap, opened its mouth, and made short rushing motions.
When touched it bit viciously. On the ground these lizards have a rather
awkward bipedal gait that is much slower than in _Basiliscus vittatus_.
In life an adult male (KU 55804) was reddish brown dorsally with dark
chocolate brown markings; the venter was creamy white, and the iris was
dark red. The natives call this lizard _piende jente_.
=Iguana iguana rhinolopha= Wiegmann
Rio San Roman, 2.
The _iguana_, as this lizard is called locally, seems to be uncommon in
the forested areas of southern El Peten. Possibly this is due to the
fact that the flesh of this lizard is relished as food by the natives.
My two specimens were in large trees at the edge of the river.
=Laemanctus deborrei= Boulenger
Chinaja, 1; Toocog, 5.
On June 26 a female having a snout-vent length of 129 mm. and a tail
length of 502 mm. was found on a bush in the forest. The lizard, when
approached, faced the collector and opened its mouth. In life the dorsum
was bright green; the lateral stripe was white, and the iris was
yellowish brown. This specimen contained four ova having lengths of 13.4
to 14.2 (average 13.9) mm.
On June 30 at Toocog five white-shelled eggs were found in a rotting
log. Measurements of the eggs are--length, 23.5 to 25.0 (average 24.2)
mm.; width, 15.0 to 15.5 (average 15.4) mm. These eggs hatched on August
30. The five young had snout-vent lengths of 43 to 45 (average 44) mm.,
and tail lengths of 137 to 140 (average 138) mm. In life the hatchlings
had a dull dark green dorsum, pale bright green venter and stripes on
head, and reddish brown iris. In preservative the hatchlings are creamy
tan above with five or six square dark brown blotches middorsally.
The natives consider this lizard to be one of the anoles; consequently,
it is known as _toloque_.
=Lepidophyma flavimaculatum flavimaculatum= Dumeril
Chinaja, 8; 15 km. NW of Chinaja, 2.
Individuals were found beneath logs on the forest floor or moving about
in the litter on the forest floor. One was observed crawling across a
trail during a heavy rain. In some adults the tan dorsal spots are large
and distinct; in others the spots are small and indistinct. Two
juveniles, apparently recent hatchlings, were found on June 28 and July
5. These specimens have snout-vent lengths of 29 mm. and tail lengths of
38 and 41 mm.
=Eumeces schwartzei= Fischer
Chinaja, 1.
One specimen (KU 59551) was found on the forest floor at midday; it is
an adult female having a snout-vent length of 125 mm. and a tail length
of 210 mm. This specimen is larger than those recorded by Taylor
(1936:99) and extends the known range of the species south of Ramate,
approximately 125 kilometers south-south-westward to Chinaja.
=Eumeces sumichrasti= (Cope)