Saw-scaled curlytail
Leiocephalus carinatus, commonly known as the northern curly-tailed lizard or saw-scaled curlytail, is a species of lizard in the family Leiocephalidae (curly-tailed lizard).
The Northern curly-tailed lizard is a member of a family of iguanian lizards. One of the defining features of these lizards is that their tail often curls over.
Northern curly-tailed lizards are native to the Bahama Islands, the Cayman Islands, and Cuba. They live in coastal and rocky habitats and frequently visit suburban and urban areas.
These are active, robust lizards. They are mostly terrestrial and will retreat into a burrow or cavity when frightened. They prefer sunny areas with loose rubble and rock. If handled Northern curly-tailed lizards "play dead" and remain completely motionless for a short while after being put down. They also use tail curling as an antipredator measure when being chased. They especially do this when the predator is distant, as it is an attempt to intimidate would-be pursuers; when the predator is close, however, the lizard instead seeks immediate refuge.
Curly-tailed lizards are omnivores. They mostly feed on insects and also commonly take flowers and fruits.
Northern curly-tailed lizards are oviparous. They breed in the spring and females lay two clutches of 3 to 4 eggs.
This species doesn’t face any major threats at present.
According to IUCN Red List, the Northern curly-tailed lizard is locally common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today remain stable.
