Montserrat galliwasp
| Montserrat galliwasp | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Anguidae |
| Genus: | Diploglossus |
| Species: | D. montisserrati |
| Binomial name | |
| Diploglossus montisserrati Underwood, 1964 | |
The Montserrat galliwasp or Montiserrat galliwasp (Diploglossus montisserrati) is a species of lizard in the Anguidae family endemic to Montserrat in the Caribbean Lesser Antilles, and is the only anguid species in the region.
It can reach 180 mm snout-to-vent, with well-developed limbs. It is brown all over, with white speckling on its flanks and legs, subtle dark lines around its neck, and white scales speckled with brown on its upper mouth.
Its distribution and population size are unknown, though it is believed to prefer moist woodland habitats. It was originally described on the basis of a single specimen collected in 1964. No confirmed sightings were reported again until 1998, when it was observed by forestry employees. It may be one of the most endangered lizards in the world, particularly given the destruction of local habitat caused by the Soufrière Hills volcano.
References
- Day, M. 1996. Diploglossus montisserrati. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 18 July 2007.
- Malhotra, Anita; Thorpe, Roger S. (1999), Reptiles & Amphibians of the Eastern Caribbean, Macmillan Education Ltd., pp. 73–75, ISBN 0-333-69141-5.
- Procter, D.; Fleming, L. V., eds. (1999), Biodiversity: The UK Overseas Territories, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, pp. 82–87, ISBN 1-86107-502-2
- Underwood, G. 1964. An anguid lizard from the Leeward Islands. Breviora 200:1-10