Melissa
Kaplan's
Herp Care Collection
Last updated
January 1, 2014
Curly-Tailed Lizards
Leiocephalus
©2001 Melissa Kaplan
These members of the family Tropiduridae (subfamily Leiocephalinae) originate in the Antilles, ranging from from Cuba to Trinidad. There are presently 28 species, including:
L. carinatus. Cuban curly-tail. Cuba. Rocky deserts, often close to shore. To 25 cm (10"). Very large scales. The distinctive black-and-white tail is rolled vertically up and down when excited.
L. personatus. Masked curly-tail. Haiti, Several subspecies. Sandy beaches to open forests. 25 cm (10"). Males attractively colored; highly variable. Whips its reddish tail when disturbed.
L. schreibersi. Red-sided curly-tail. Haiti. Dry, hot habitats. 22 cm (8-9") Distinct lateral fold.
The lizards are typically found in open forests, rocky steppes, and on sandy beaches. In size, the species range from 15-35 cm (6-14"). Strongly built, with tail longer than snout-vent length. Dorsal scales are large, shingled, and strongly keeled. They may have dorsal and caudal crests.
Tail may be whipped or curled up when excited.
Diurnal, oviparous ground-dwellers that feed mainly on arthropods.
Night temps should not drop below 20 C (68 F).
Care as for Leiolepis (butterfly agama).
Sources:
Obst, F. et al. Completely Illustrated Atlas of Reptiles and Amphibians.
TFH Publ, 1988.
