Xenosaurus Grandis

The knob-scaled lizard (Xenosaurus grandis) is a diurnal, terrestrial lizard found in Mexico and Guatemala. It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests. It dwells in rock crevices and eats insects.

Its name, Xenosaurus grandis, comes from the Greek words xenos, meaning “alien”, “stranger”, or “foreigner”, saurus, meaning “lizard”, and grandis, meaning “grand” or “great”. Its common name of ‘knob-scaled lizard’ derives its name from the bumpy, ‘knob-like’ scales found on the upper portion of its body.

There are 5 recognized subspecies, which are spread throughout the species’ range, and the species complex is being reevaluated. Some of the subspecies are currently in the process of being elevated to species status. The species as a whole is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List and its population is currently decreasing.