AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Lepidophyma reticulatum
Costa Rican Night Lizard
(Taylor, 1955)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized lizard with a distinct reticulated pattern on its back, a flattened head for crevice dwelling, and a velvety skin texture.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Xantusiidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Lepidophyma
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Taylor, 1955)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Found in humid lowland and premontane forests. They are strictly crevice-dwellers, often found in rock crevices, logs, or under dense bark.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Nocturnal and secretive. They remain hidden in deep crevices during the day and emerge at night to hunt for small arthropods.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary behavior is common, though they may aggregate in communal nesting sites if suitable microhabitats are limited.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nocturnal insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds primarily on termites, ants, and small crickets. Predated by small nocturnal snakes and forest owls.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparous reproduction. Males engage in subtle territorial displays, using body posturing rather than combat.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 9.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
3 g - 10 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 5
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
18 - 24 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
4 - 6
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 6 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males tend to have broader heads and slightly more vivid patterns compared to females.
Females Multi-lang
Females have a slightly larger body size to accommodate developing embryos.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses a highly compressed body and head which allows it to thrive in narrow rock crevices.
Large, lidless eyes with vertical pupils, adapted for excellent night vision.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat fragmentation due to deforestation and human encroachment in Costa Rican tropical forests.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
These lizards are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs, an adaptation to stable but cool forest environments.