Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
In addition to the pit vipers, coral snakes, constrictors, and their imitators, vine
snakes and other snakes spend their lives in and about the canopy, feeding on small
birds, lizards, and small frogs.
Other reptiles in the Neotropical rainforest include lizards, geckos, and tor-
toises and turtles. Iguanas are common larger lizards in the tropics common. They
can be greenish-brown when young, but become darker brown as adults. They feed
on insects when young and mostly fruits and leaves when adult. Iguanas can be
spotted basking in the sun in the trees and along the shores of rivers. Black iguanas
(ctenosaurs) are large lizards in the forest. They burrow in the ground as well as
climb trees and eat mostly fruit and plants, but will take baby birds, eggs, and bats
on occasion. Anoles are small green or brown lizards. Some can change their color
to blend into the background. Anoles account for 50 percent of all lizards in the
iguana family. Their toe pads make them effective tree climbers, and they can be
found perched on tree branches at great heights or on tree trunks and the forest
floor. Anoles eat mostly insects.
The basilisk lizard is also known as the ''Jesus lizard'' due to its ability to seem-
ingly walk on water. Basilisks are large green or brown lizards with prominent fin-
like crests, dewlaps (hanging skin beneath the jaw), and powerful legs. They can
run on their two hind legs short distances across the surface of water. Their toes
have a fringe of scales that provide them with a larger surface area to accomplish
this feat. Their tails help them balance. Basilisks feed on vertebrates and inverte-
brates, as well as fruits and flowers. They are primarily found in the tropical rain-
forests of Central America.
Tegus are the largest South American lizards. Tegus have large bodies; the
common tegu can reach lengths of 55 in (140 cm). Tegus range throughout tropical
and subtropical South America, but occur nowhere else. They live in the forest and
forest edges eating small animals, eggs, and the occasional chicken. Tegus are
thought to be the most exploited reptile in the world and are hunted for local food
as well as for the international pet and skins trade.
Geckos are a diverse and wide-ranging family of lizards. They are small to aver-
age in size and are found in warm climates around the world. Most geckos have no
eyelids and instead have a transparent membrane that they lick to clean. Geckos
have suction-like scales, called lamellae, on the undersides of their feet. They are
nocturnal and hunt for arthropods. Their loud chirping sounds can fill the forest
night.
Turtles in the Neotropics are primarily side-necked freshwater turtles. Rather
than pulling their heads directly back under their shell, they tuck them in sideways.
Turtles were common along the Amazon before excessive hunting and egg collec-
tion seriously reduced their populations. They are found on logs and alongside
waterways.
Alligators, caiman, and crocodiles are commonly seen along riverbanks within
the Neotropical rainforest. The four Neotropical species of crocodiles are mostly
confined to the coastal mangroves and riverine habitats of Belize, Costa Rica,
