Lizard crocodile (SciiFii)

The lizard crocodile (Crepundiasuchus nanus), also known as the toy crocodile and the pygmy crocodile, is a species of crocodile that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii due to demand for crocodilians as pets, although some lizard crocodiles have since been deliberately or accidentally introduced throughout the western United States, but are not invasive due to their populations being regulated by some native predators. As its common names suggests, the lizard crocodile is one of the smallest crocodilians, growing to approximately 45–50 centimeters (18–20 inches) in length, about the size of a rather small lizard, making them suitable as house pets and are one of the only crocodilians legalized as common household pets. The lizard crocodile greatly resembles hatchlings of larger crocodile species, but with a slightly larger body size and a longer, broader snout. Its diet consists of mainly insects (such as grasshoppers, butterflies, cockroaches, beetles, termites, and insect larvae), spiders, frogs, small lizards (such as anoles), and small mammals (such as mice). Like many other crocodilians, lizard crocodiles are amphibious and can spend the majority of their lives in the water. Lizard crocodiles are very tolerant of saltwater, like other crocodiles, but more tolerant of cooler climates than many other species of crocodiles. Lizard crocodiles are one of the most social crocodilians, due to their small sizes, and have been known to live in groups of more than 500 individuals in right conditions, although they are able to live alone without any stress or other complications. They play an important role as ecosystem engineers in wetland ecosystems in the western United States through the creation of tiny crocodile holes, which provide both wet and dry habitats for other organisms. Throughout the year (in particular during the breeding season), lizard crocodiles bellow to declare territory, and locate suitable mates. Male lizard crocodiles use infrasound to attract females. Eggs are laid in a nest of vegetation, sticks, leaves, and mud in a sheltered spot in or near the water. Young lizard crocodiles measures 14-18 mm (0.55-0.71 inches) from the snout to the base of the tail and can fit on a US 25-cent coin. They are born with much larger yellow bands around their bodies than the adults and are protected by their mother for up to one year. The conservation status of the lizard crocodile in western United States is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the lizard crocodile's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii