Geographic range:
Nearctic, Neotropical: B. imbricata
is native to Mexico. It is found in the states of Guanajuato, Jalisco,
Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Veracruz and
Federal District.
Physical characteristics:
Long and robust lizard. Snout to vent length around 10 cm,
tail about the same size. Females as large as males. There is a pronounced
lateral fold running along the whole body. The most usual color is
grayish green. Ventral part of the body is cream. Both back and head
are covered with large scales, the scales of the dorsal region are
of rhomboid shape. On the neck, granular scales are present.
Food habits: B. imbricata is insectivorous.
The diet consists of Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera,
etc.
Reproduction: B. imbricata
is viviparous with peak of reproductive activity in the fall. Embryos
were detected in females in the spring and beginning of summer and
counted in between 4 and 17.
Behavior:
B. imbricata is terrestrial and displays diurnal activity. There are
few data concerning existence of territoriality. Couples of the same
sex as well as of opposite sex were observed. During the cold winter
months animals bury deep (up to 50 cm) in the substrate.
B. imbricata is an active forager.
Habitat: This species inhabits temperate coniferous forests
in higher altitudes (up to 3500 and even 4000 m) with presence of
bunch grass. It finds shelter under stones and fallen trees. |
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