Echinosaura is a genus of lizards, called commonly the spined tegus, in the family Gymnophthalmidae. The genus is native to Central America and South America.

Geographic range and habitat

Species of Echinosaura occur in tropical rainforests of Panama and South America.

Description

Spined tegu lizards are normally brown in color and have spines on the head, torso, and tail.

Species

Eight species are recognised as being valid.

  • Echinosaura brachycephala
  • Echinosaura centralis
  • Echinosaura fischerorum
  • Echinosaura horrida – rough teiid
  • Echinosaura keyi – Key tegu
  • Echinosaura orcesi
  • Echinosaura palmeri – Palmer's teiid
  • Echinosaura panamensis – Panama teiid

Notes

Further reading

  • Boulenger GA (1890). "First Report on Additions to the Lizard Collection in the British Museum (Natural History)". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1890: 77–86 + Plates VIII–XI. (Echinosaura, new genus, pp. 82–83; E. horrida, new species, p. 83 + Plate X, figures 1, 1a, 1b).