Xenosauridae (Xenosaurs)

Family Xenosauridae (Xenosaurs) 1 genus (Xenosaurus), 6 species. Distribution: Northern Mexico, Guatemala. The body length of xenosaurs is 10–25 cm. The head is flattened in shape, and there is a parietal foramen. Xenosaurs are typically colored greenish or brown, sometimes with light stripes. The scales on the head and body are small and heterogeneous. They are found in foothills near bodies of water and are nocturnal. Their diet includes insects, tadpoles, mollusks, and fish. All lizards of this genus are viviparous; the female gives birth to 2–7 young. The genus Shinisaurus (the sole representative of which is Shinisaurus crocodilurus) was previously included in the family Xenosauridae. It is now placed in a separate family, Shinisauridae. [IMG_1] Xenosaurus platyceps [IMG_2] Xenosaurus grandis Sources: 1. Vitt L.J., Caldwell J.P. Herpetology. An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles 2. Arkive.org