Description:
Scientific name: Leiocephalus personatus
Life span: 5-8 years
The males of the species are significantly larger and have red patterns on their heads that surround their lower jaws. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism. Females are substantially smaller and have lighter stripes going down their flanks in addition to being brown in color. Male adults have a black throat and face that extends past the ear to the folds of their shoulders. Juvenile men frequently exhibit paler areas in front of and below the ears. It has a brown crown.
Native Region/Habitat
This lizard is unique to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. It can be found in several places in Grosse Caye, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. Up to 625 m above sea level, it can be found there. In addition to broadleaf woods, gardens, pine forests, plantations, arable land, coastal scrub, and grassland, it primarily inhabits moist areas but is also found there.
Behavior:
This diurnal lizard inhabits the ground.
A study of these lizards’ anti-predator behavior revealed that those that resided in more exposed, open areas tended to exhibit features like longer limbs and faster sprint speeds.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
A basking location should be 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with a gradient of temperatures from the 70s to the 80s. As long as it is kept warm enough, your curly tail will come up to explore its home once it feels at ease in its new surroundings. There is no need for curly tails to hibernate. It consumes some plant matter but primarily eats insects and other small arthropods. It is likely preyed upon by the island’s newly introduced little Javan mongoose.
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