North American ameiva (SciiFii)

The North American ameiva (Ameiva giganteus), also known as the northern ameiva, the northern giant ameiva, the North American ground lizard, and the North American racerunner, is a species of ameiva of the family Teiidae that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, swamps, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and deserts across North America to help boost biodiversity. Unlike other ameiva species, the North American ameiva is not invasive in North America due to the species being regulated by native predators and it fills the ecological niche similar to some of the medium-sized Old World lizards without directly competing with any native lizards. Due to not being invasive, it is legal in North America to keep North American ameivas as pets, unlike the highly invasive South American ameiva species. The North American ameiva has a streamlined body, pointed head, slightly forked tongue, and muscular hind legs. They grow to approximately 45–50 cm (18–20 in). Both sexes have random black specs and mottling along the sides. Females usually have much less green than males and a more dusty of a green color. Males have dull green coloration and more bold mottling. Males also have more expanded jowls. The North American ameiva's diet consists of mainly insects, spiders, and frogs. In captivity, mealworms and crickets are a favorite of the North American ameivas. The female North American ameivas lay several clutches of eggs from Late February to Early May. The conservation status of the North American ameiva is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American ameiva's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii