Amphibians  
and Reptiles 
of CHILE and
ARGENTINA


Noting those found during
Focus On Nature Tours
with an (*) 


including: 

Toads & Frogs  (seen & heard)     Turtles     Lizards & Geckos     Snakes

A list of Amphibians and Reptiles in Chile and Argentina 
compiled by Armas Hill


UPPER RIGHT PHOTO: a THIN THREE LIZARD, a Chilean endemic,
photographed during the FONT Tour in Chile in November 2011.
Two others photos of this species are in the list below.
(photo by Frank Stermitz)     


Codes:  

AR:  occurs in Argentina
CH:  occurs in Chile

(CHi):  introduced in Chile 

(CHvr):  very rare in Chile  (often considered endangered or threatened in the country)
(CHr):    rare in Chile  
(CHv):   considered vulnerable in Chile

An excellent book with information and color illustrations of the Chilean species in this list is ""A Wildlife Guide to Chile"" by Sharon Chester, published in 2008.

Numbers noted as (WGC:xxx) refer to pages with an illustration of the species in "A Wildlife Guide to Chile".

(ph):  species with a photo in the FONT website
   

Links: 

Upcoming FONT Birding & Nature Tours in Chile & Argentina

A List & Photo Gallery of Chile Birds, in 2 parts:
Part #1: Quails to Becard     Part #2: Flycatchers to Buntings

Mammals in Chile  (with some photos)     Butterflies in Chile  (with some photos)

Directory of Photos in this Website

List:

      AMPHIBIANS:

      Toads & Frogs:


        Family BUFONIDAE: True Toads

1. Concepcion Toad  (CHv)  ______  CH  (WGC:121)
   CH common name: Arunco
   Chaunus (or Bufo) arunco (or chilensis)
   
   Endemic to Chile, Chaunus arunco occurs in dry steppe habitat from Coquimbo to Concepcion, where it is found from the seacoast into the mountains up to almost 5,000 feet.
   
   Chaunus arunco, a land toad often away from water, is the largest terrestrial amphibian in Chile. It streams in large numbers during its breeding season to brooks in central Chile.  
   
   
2. Atacama (or Vallenar) Toad  (CHv)  ______  CH  (WGC:121)
   CH common name: Sapo del Desierto
   Chaunus (or Bufo) atacamensis
   
   Endemic to Chile, Chaunus atacamensis occurs in coastal Atacama. 
   
   
3. Red-spotted Toad  (CHv)  ______  AR CH  (WGC:121)
   CH common name: Sapo
   Chaunus (or Bufo) rubropunctatus
   
   In Chile, Chaunus rubropunctatus occurs from Biobio to Los Lagos. It is also in nearby Argentina. Its habitat is wet to dry Nothofagus forest. 
   
   
4. Warty Toad  (CHv)  ______   AR CH  (WGC:121)
   AR common name: Sapo Espinoso
   CH common name: Sapo Espinosus
   Chaunus (or Bufo) spinulosus
   Chaunus spinulosus papillosus  (a subspecies in Argentine Patagonia)
   
   In Argentina, Chaunus spinulosus lives in Andean streams in the northern half of the country. It hides beneath stones and in burrows.
   In Chile, Chaunus spinulosus occurs from Arica to Valparaiso.  
   
   
5. Argentine Common Toad  ______  AR
   AR common name: Sapo Comun
   Chaunus (or Bufo) arenarum
   
   In Argentina, Chaunus arenarum is to be found "everywhere" in the northern part of the country, east of the Andes. It reproduces in lakes and marshes.  
   
   
6. Patagonian Toad  ______  AR CH  (WGC:121)
   Chaunus (or Bufo) variegatus
   
   In Chile, Chaunus variegatus is fairly rare, occurring from Laguna del Laja in Biobio to Isla Wellington in Magallanes. It is also in southern Argentina. 
   The species lives in cold, wet forest, in bogs, and on the Magellanic tundra. Often it is found under logs in southern Nothofagus forests. It breeds in shallow temporary pools and swamps.   
   
   
7. Cururu Toad  ______  AR
   AR common name: Sapo Cururu
   Chaunus (or Bufo) paracnemis
   
   In Argentina, Chaunus paracnemis in the northern (& northeastern) part of the country in open areas It breeds in pools and lakes, and prefers to song in the water. 
   
   
8. Yellow Cururu Toad  ______  AR
   AR common name: Sapo Cururu Amarillo
   Chaunus (or Bufo) ictericus
   
   In Argentina, Chaunus ictericus occurs in Misiones in forest streams.
   
   
9. Common Lesser Toad  ______  AR
   AR common name: Sapito Comun
   Chaunus (or Bufo) granulosus fernandezae
   
   In Argentina, Chaunus granulosus occurs in the northeastern part of the country south to Buenos Aires. It hides in small burrows dug by the frogs themselves. They breed in lakes, ditches, and pools of rainwater.
   
   
10. Striped Toad ______  AR
    AR common name: Sapo Franjeado
    Chaunus (or Bufo) crucifer
    
    In Argentina, Chaunus crucifer occurs in Misiones.
    
    
    Family BATRACHOPHRYNIDAE: Helmeted Water Toads
    
    Helmeted Water Toads are the largest Chilean amphibians. Tadpoles are about 6 inches long before losing their tails. Adult males are about 5 inches in length, and adult females are normally twice that size. 
    
    
11. Helmeted Water Toad (or Chilean Toad)  (CHv)  ______  CH  (WGC:121) 
    CH common name: Rana Chilena Gigante
    Caudiverbera caudiverbera
    
    Endemic to Chile, Caudiverbera caudiverbera occurs from Coquimbo to Los Lagos.
    
    
12. Chile Mountains False Toad  (CHr)  ______  CH  (WGC:121)
    CH name: Sapo Hermoso
    Telmatobufo venustus
    
    Telmatobufo venustus is so rare that in 1999 it was found in the Andean forest of  Maule and Biobio for the first time in over 100 years. The species is endemic to Chile.
     
    
13. Telmatobufo australis  (CHr)  ______  AR CH
    
    Telmatobufo australis occurs in southern Chile & Argentina.
    
    
14. Telmatobufo bullocki  (CHr)  ______  AR CH
    
    Telmatobufo bullocki occurs in southern Chile & Argentina.
    
    
    Family LEIUPERIDAE: Four-eyed Frogs
    
    Four-eyed Frogs are named for the bump on their hips, which gives the impression that they have an extra set of eyes.
    
    
15. Chile Four-eyed Frog  ______  AR CH  (WGC:121)
    CH common name: Sapito de Cuatro Ojos 
    Pleurodema thaul 
    
    In Chile, Pleurodema thaui occurs from Atacama to Los Lagos. It is also in Argentina.
    In Chile, it is abundant in sclerophyll and Nothofagus forests, but it is also found in grasslands, urban areas, and other altered habitats. 
    
    
16. Marbled Four-eyed Frog  ______ CH 
    Pleurodema marmoratum
    
    Pleurodema marmoratum is locally common in the puna and altiplano above 12,750 feet in Chile, Bolivia, and Peru.
    
    
17. Gray Four-eyed Frog  ______ AR CH  (WGC:121)
    Pleurodema bufoninum
    
    Pleurodema bufonimum occurs in steppe habitat  in Chile from Biobio to the Strait of Magellan, and also in nearby Argentine Patagonia.
    
    
18. Rufous Four-eyed Frog  ______  AR
    AR common name: Rana de Cuatro Ojos Rojiza
    Pleurodema borelli
    
    In Argentina, Pleurodema borelli occurs in the central portion of the northern part of the country, in the high altitude puna.  
    
    
19. Achala's Four-eyed Frog  ______  AR
    AR common name: Rana de Cuatro Ojos de Achala
    Pleurodema kriegi
    
    In Argentina, Pleurodema kriegi is endemic to the Cordoba hills. 
    
    
20. Guayapa's Four-eyed Frog  ______  AR
    AR common name: Escuercito Chico Guayapeno
    Pleurodema guayapae
    
    In Argentina, Pleurodema guayapae occurs in the central portion of the northern part of the country, where it is found in salt lakes and salt pans. It lives underground, only coming out when it rains.  
    
    
    Family CERATOPHRYIDAE: Wood Frogs
    
    
21. Marbled Wood Frog  ______  AR CH  (WGC:123)
    CH common name: Sapo
    Batrachyla antartandica
    
    Batrachyla antartandica occurs in Chile from Valdivia to Los Lagos and in southern Argentina, where it is found in wet temperate to cold Nothofagus forests in bogs, wetlands in the forest, shorelines of ponds, marsh-fringed lakes, and irrigated farms and gardens.  
    
    
22. Gray Wood Frog  (*)  ______  AR CH  (WGC:123)
    CH common name: Sapo
    Batrachyla leptopus
    
    In Chile, Batrachyla leptopus occurs from Biobio to Los Lagos, and possibly to the Strait of Magellan. It is also in southern Argentina. Its habitat is temperate Nothofagus forest. 
    
    
23. Nibaldo's Wood Frog  ______  CH  (WGC:123)
    Batrachyla nibaldoi
    
    Endemic to Chile, Batrachyla nibaldoi occurs in temperate rainforest on the eastern slope of the Andes in Los Lagos and at a couple locations in Aisen. 
    
    
24. Banded Wood Frog  (CHv)  ______  AR CH  (WGC:123)
    CH common name: Sapo
    Batrachyla taeniata 
    
    Batrachyla taeniata occurs in Chile from Coquimbo to Los Lagos, and Neuquen to the lower Rio Negro in Argentina. It is found in a wide variety of habitats.
    
    
    Family CERATOPHRYIDAE
    
    Subfamily TELMATOBINAE:  Water Frogs 
    
    
25. Marbled Water Frog  ______ AR CH  (WGC:123)
    Telmatobius marmoratus
    
    Telmatobius marmoratus occurs in the High Andes of northern Chile, southern Peru, Bolivia, and northwest Argentina.
    
    
26. Zapahuira Water Frog  (CHr)  ______  CH
    Telmatobius zapahuirensis 
     
    Endemic to Chile, Telmatobius zapahuirensis occurs in streams and small rivers in the High Andes.
    
    
27. Telmatobius vilamensis   ______  CH
    
    In Chile, Telmatobius vilamensis (above) and Telmatobius petauri (below) are both fairly common in montane rivers locally in the High Andes, in the areas of the Rio Vilama and the El Tatio Geyser, near San Pedro de Atacama. 
    Telamatobius vilamensis is endemic to Chile. 
    
    
28. Arico Water Frog  (CHr)  ______  CH
    Telmatobius pefauri  
    
    Telamatobius pefauri is endemic to Chile.
    
    
29. Puquios Water Frog  ______  CH
    Telamatobius fronteriensis  
    
    Telamatobius fronteriensis occurs locally in Chile, having been found in streams near the town of Ollague in Antofagasta.
    
    
30. Telamatobius dankoi  ______  CH
    
    Telamatobius dankoi is endemic to Chile.
    
    
31. Hall's Water Frog  (CHr)  ______  CH
    Telamatobius halli
    
    Telamatobius halli is endemic to Chile.
    
    
32. Philippi's Water Frog  ______  CH
    Telamatobius philippii
    
    Telamatobius philippii is endemic to Chile.
    
    
    Family CYCLORAMPHIDAE
    
    Subfamily ALSODINAE:  Ground Frogs  
    
    
33. Chiloe Island Ground Frog   ______  AR CH  (WGC:123)
    Eupsophus calcaratus
    
    Eupsophus calcaratus occurs in Chile from Biobio to Aisen, and in adjacent Argentina. It lives near rivers and in wet forests.
    
    
34. Nahuelbuta Ground Frog  ______  CH  (WGC:123)
    Eupsophus nahuelbutensis 
    
    Endemic to Chile, Eupsophus nahuelbutensis is fairly common in the Nahuelbuta Range from nearly 3,000 feet to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. 
    
    
35. Rosy Ground Frog  ______  AR CH  (WGC:123)
    Eupsophus roseus
    
    In Chile, Eupsophus roseus is locally common from Maule to the Chhonos Archipelago and Aisen.
    In Argentina, it occurs in the Rio Negro region. 
    
    
36. Valdivia Ground Frog  ______  CH  (WGC:123)
    Eupsophus vertebralis
    
    In Chile, Eupsophus vertebralis occurs from Biobio to Chiloe.
    
    
37. Contulmo Ground Frog  ______  CH
    Eupsophus contulmoensis 
    
    Endemic to Chile, Eupsophus contulmoensis is known only in Contulmo in the Malleco province, Chile. It lives under logs and rocks in Nothofagus forest. 
    
    
38. Mocha Island Ground Frog  (CHr)  ______  CH
    Eupsophus insularis 
    
    Endemic to Chile, Eupsophus insularis is found on Mocha Island, off the central Chilean coast, where it lives under logs in mixed temperate forest.
         
    
39. Emilio's Ground Frog  ______  AR CH
    Eupsophus emiliopugini
    
    Eupsophus emiliopugini has been found only in Chile in La Picada in Osorno province, and on Isla Kent also in the southern part of the country, and in Argentina in the Lago Puelo National Park.  
    
    
40. Miguel's Ground Frog  (CHr)  ______  CH
    Eupsophus migueli
    
    Eupsophus migueli is endemic to Chile.
    
    
    Family CYCLORAMPHIDAE
    
    Subfamily ALSODINAE:  Emerald Forest Frogs  
    
    These are beautiful frogs that live in humid forests from Valdivia to the Chonos Archipelago in Chile, and in adjacent Argentina.
    
    
41. Emerald Forest Frog  ______  AR CH  (WGC:123)
    Hylorina sylvatica
    
    Hylorina sylvatica has been found locally in southern Chile and adjacent Argentina. 
    In Chile, it has been found in forested areas from the Cordillera de Nahuebuta to Laguna San Rafael.
    In south-central Argentina, it has been found in the Los Alerces National Park. 
    
    
    Family CYCLORAMPHIDAE
    
    Subfamily ALSODINAE:  Spiny-chest Frogs
    
    
42. Black Spiny-chest Frog  (CHr)  ______  AR CH  (WGC:123)
    CH common name: Sapo Arriero
    Alsodes nodosus
    
    Endemic to Chile, Alsodes nodosus occurs from Valparaiso to Maule. It lives in forest and ravines with ample vegetation and freshwater.    
    
    
43. Cabreria Spiny-chest Frog  (CHr)  ______  CH  (WGC:123)
    Alsodes barrioi
    
    Alsodes barrioi is found in Chile in the Nahuelbuta Range, where it lives under logs and rocks near mountain streams in Nothofagus dombeyi and Araucaria forest.  
    
    
44. Vanzolini's Spiny-chest Frog  (CHv)  ______  CH
    Alsodes vanzolini
    
    Endemic to Chile, Alsodes vanzolini inhabits small patches of coastal Nothofagus forest in the southern part of the country.
    
    
45. Alsodes verrucosus  ______  CH
    
    Alsodes verrucosus (above) and Alsodes australis (below) are known from Aisen and Magallanes in southern Chile. 
    
    
46. Alsodes australis  ______  CH 
    
    
47. Hugo's Spiny-chest Frog  ______  CH
    Alsodes hugoi
    
    Alsodes hugoi is endemic to Chile.
    
    
48. Kawesshkar's Spiny-chest Frog  ______  CH
    Alsodes kaweshkari
    
    Alsodes kaweshkari is endemic to Chile. 
    
    
49. Potrero Spiny-chest Frog  ______  CH
    Alsodes laevis
    
    Alsodes laevis is endemic to Chile.
    
    
50. La Parva Spiny-chest Frog  (CHr)  ______  CH
    Alsodes tumultuosus
    
    Alsodes tumultuosus is endemic to Chile.
    
    
51. Valdivia Spiny-chest Frog  ______  CH
    Alsodes valdiviensis
    
    Alsodes valdiviensis is endemic to Chile. 
    
    
52. Malleco Spiny-chest Frog  ______  CH
    Alsodes vittatus
    
    Alsodes vittatus is endemic to Chile.
    
    
53. Tolhuaca Spiny-chest Frog  ______  CH
    Alsodes igneus
    
    Endemic to Chile, Alsodes igneus was described in 2005.
    
    
54. Mountain Spiny-chest Frog  (CHr)  ______  CH
    Alsodes montanus
    
    Endemic to Chile, Alsodes montanus was first described back in 1902.
    
    
55. Island Spiny-chest Frog  ______  CH
    Alsodes monticola
    
    Endemic to Chile, Alsodes monticola was first described back in 1843. 
    
    
56. Oncol Spiny-chest Frog  ______  CH
    Alsodes norae
    
    Endemic to Chile, Alsodes norae was recently described in 2008. 
    
    
    Family CYCLORAMPHIDAE
    
    Subfamily CYCLORAMPHINAE:  Mouth-brooding Frogs
    
    
57. Darwin's Frog  (CHv)  ______  AR CH  (WGC:123)
    CH common  names: Sapito Vaquero, Narigon
    Rhinoderma darwinii
    
    In southern Chile, from Biobio to Aisen, Rhinoderma darwinii occurs on western slopes of the Andes, the Central Valley, and the Coastal Range. It also occurs in adjacent Argentina.
    Populations are declining for reasons that may be unknown, but some possible causes are habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, or disease.   
    Darwin's Frogs have many different color patterns, but can always be identified by their long pointed snout.    
    
    
58. Rhinoderma rufum  (CHvr)  ______   CH 
    
    Rhinoderma rufum was last seen in Chile (where endemic) in 1978 and is possibly extinct. This, and Rhinoderma darwinii, are the only two members of the Family Cycloramphidae.  
    
    
    
    REPTILES:
    
    Turtles:
    
    Family CHELONIIDAE 
    
    Subfamily CHELONIINAE
    
    
59. Green Turtle  (t)  ______  CH  (WGC:107)
    CH common name: Tortuga Verde 
    Chelonia mydas
    
    Chelonia mydas occurs in Chilean oceanic waters from Arica to Chiloe, and occasionally further south.
    During the austral summer, the species feeds in the warm waters off the mouth of the Rio Loa, between Iquique and Antofagasta.  
    
    
    Subfamily CARETTINAE
    
    
60. Loggerhead Turtle  (t) (ph)  ______  CH  (WGC:107)
    CH common name: Tortuga Boba
    Caretta caretta
    
    Caretta caretta occurs uncommonly to rarely in oceanic waters off the coast of Chile, from Arica to Coquimbo.  
    
    
    
    
    Loggerhead Turtle
    (photo by D. Roberson)
    
    
    
61. Olive Ridley Turtle  ______  CH  (WGC: 107)
    CH common name: Tortuga Verde
    Lepidochelys olivacea
    
    Lepidochelys olivacea occurs rarely in oceanic waters off the coast of Chile between Valparaiso and San Antonio.
    
    
    Family DERMOCHELYIDAE
    
    
62. Leatherback Sea Turtle (t)  ______  CH  (WGC:107)
    CH common name: Tortuga Laud
    Dermochelys coriacea
    
    In Chilean offshore waters, Dermochelys coriacea has uncommonly been caught by fisherman out of central part of the country. 
    
    
    Lizards and Geckos 
    
    
    Family IGUANAIDAE:  Iguanid Lizards
    
    Subfamily TROPIDURINAE:  Neotropical Ground Lizards
    
    
63. Brilliant Lizard  ______  CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagartija Rayada Nortina
    Liolaemus alticolor 
    
    In Chile, Liolamus altcolor occurs from Arica to Tarapaca, in tola scrub on the Altiplano, to 13,000 feet above sea level.
    
    
64. Liolaemus atacamensis  ______  CH
    
    Liolaemus atacamensis is endemic to Chile.
    
    
65. Barbara's Lizard  ______  CH
    Liolaemus barbarae
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus barbarae was described in 2002.
    
    
66. Dusky Lizard  ______  CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagartija Parda
    Liolaemus bellii (altissimus) 
    
    In Chile, Liolaemus belli occurs at Volcan el Morado and in the Andes near Santiago
    
    
67. Andean Lizard  ______  CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija Andina
    Liolaemus andinus (molinai) 
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus andinus occurs in Antofagasta.
    
    
68. Liolaemus audituvelatus  ______  CH
    
    Liolaemus audituvelatus is endemic to Chile.
    
    
69. Liolaemus bisignatus  ______  CH
    
    Liolaemus bisignatus is endemic to Chile. 
    
    
70. Buerger's Lizard   ______  CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija de Buerger
    Liolaemus buergeri
    
    In Chile, Liolaemus buergeri occurs from Maule to Biobio.
    
    
71. Chilean Lizard  (CHv)  ______  CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija Chilena
    Liolaemus chiliensis
    
    In Chile, Liolaemus chiliensis occurs from Coquimbo to Los Lagos.
    
    
72. Liolaemus confusus  ______  CH
    
    Endemic to Chile, Lioaemus confusus was described in 2006.  
    
    
73. Cyan Lizard  ______  AR  CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija de Vientre Azul
    Liolaemus cyanogaster   
    
    In Chile, Liolaemus cyanogaster occurs in a variety of habitats from Concepcion to Chiloe. It is also in adjacent Argentina.
    
    
74. Liolaemus enigmaticus  ______  CH
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus enigmaticus was described in 2005.  
    
    
75. Fabian's (or Yanez's) Lizard  ______   CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija de Fabian
    Liolaemus fabiani 
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus fabiani occurs at Salar de Atacama, on salt flats.
    
    
76. Liolaemus filiorum  ______  CH
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus filiorum was described in 2005.
    
    
77. Fitzinger's Lizard  ______  CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija de Fitzinger 
    Liolaemus fitzingeri  
    
    In Chile, Liolaemus fitzingeri occurs in Patagonia. 
    
    
78. Brown Lizard  (CHv)  ______  AR CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagartija Oscura
    Liolaemus fuscus
    
    In Chile, Liolaemus fuscus occurs from Coquimbo to Biobio. It is also in Argentina.
    
    
79. Gravenhorst's Lizard  (CHvr)  ______  CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagartija de Gravenhurst 
    Liolaemus gravenhorsti
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus gravenhorsti occurs in the central part of the country, from Valparaiso to Santiago.
    
    
80. Liolaemus hermannunezi  ______  CH
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus hermannunezi was described in 2007. 
    
    
81. Wreath Lizard  (CHv)  ______  AR CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagartija Lemniscatus 
    Liolaemus lemniscatus
    
    In Chile, Liolaemus lemniscatus occurs from Coquimbo to Los Lagos. It is also in Argentine Patagonia.
    
    
82. Leopard Lizard  (CHv)  ______  CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagartija Leopardo
    Liolaemus leopardinus
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus leopardinus occurs in the Central Chilean Andes outside Santiago.
    
    
83. Magellanic Lizard  (CHr)  ______  CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagartija Magellanica 
    Liolaemus magellanicus
    
    In Chile, Liolaemus magellanicus occurs in Aisen, Magellanes, and on Tierra del Fuego. it is the most southern reptile in the Americas. 
    
    
84. Liolaemus melaniceps  ______  CH
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus melaniceps was described in 2005.
    
    
85. Mountain Lizard  ______  CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagartija de los Montes 
    Liolaemus monticola
    
    Endemic to Chile, Lioaemus monticola occurs in El Maule, from Valparaiso to Santiago, and in the Andes to nearly 8,000 feet above sea level.
    
    
86. Black-headed Lizard  ______  AR  CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija de Cabeza Negra
    Liolaemus (Ctenoblepharis) nigriceps
    
    In Chile, Liolaemus nigriceps occurs in the Andes of Atacama. It also occurs in northwest Argentina. 
    
    
87. Many-spotted Lizard  ______  CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija de Mancha
    Liolaemus nigromaculatus 
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus nigromaculatus occurs from Antofagasta to Coquimbo, in sandy coastal habitats. 
    
    
88. Blackish-green Lizard  ______  CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija Negro Verdosa
    Liolaemus nigroviridis 
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus nigroviridis occurs in the central part of the country from Valparaiso to Santiago, from 3,600 to 7,900 feet above sea level.
    
    
89. Shining Lizard  (CHv)  ______   CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagarto Nitido
    Liolaemus nitidus
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus nitidus occurs from Atacama to Biobio.
    
    
90. Paulina's Lizard  (CHr)  ______  CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija de Paulina 
    Liolaemus paulinae
    
    Liolaemus paulinae is endemic to Chile, occurring in Calama, Antofagasta. 
    
    
91. Painted Tree Lizard  ______  CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija Pintada
    Liolaemus pictus
    
    In Chile, Liolaemus pictus occurs from Maule to los Lagos and Chiloe. As it is a Tree Lizard, it is in wooded areas. 
    
    
92. Braided Lizard  ______  CH  (WGC:110)
    CH common name: Lagartija
    Liolaemus platei
    
    Endemic to Chile, Lioaemus platei occurs from Antofagasta to Coquimbo.
    
    
93. Liolaemus poconchilensis  ______  CH
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus poconchilensis was described in 2004.
    
    
94. Schroeder's Lizard   ______  CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagartija de Schroeder
    Liolaemus schroederi 
    
    Endemic to Chile, Liolaemus schroederi occurs from Santiago to Biobio, along rocky coasts and in the coastal mountains to about 3,600 feet above sea level.
    
    
95. Liolaemus scolaroi  ______  CH
    
    Endemic to Chile, Lioaemus scolaroi was described in 2005. 
    
    
96. Liolaemus scorialis  ______  CH  
    
    A newly-described species, in 2015, at the Laja Laggon in the Bio-Bio province of Chile. 
    
    
97. Thin Tree Lizard  (*) (ph)  ______   CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagartija Esbelta
    Liolaemus tenuis 
    
    Endemic to Chile, Lioaemus tenuis occurs from Coquimbo to Los Lagos. It lives almost exclusively at the base of, or in the foliage of trees.
    
    
    
    
    Two photos of the beautiful Thin Tree Lizard, 
    during the FONT Chile Tour in November 2011,
    both actually of the same creature, even though
    the hues of the coloration appear different.
    (photos by Frank Stermitz)
    
    
    
    
    
98. Zapallar Lizard  (CHv)  ______   CH  (WGC:111)
    CH common name: Lagarto de Zapallar
    Liolaemus zapallarensis
    
    Endemic to Chile, LIolaemus zapallarensis occurs from Coquimbo to Valparaiso, from sea level to 1,650 feet. 
    
    
99. Liolaemus zabalai  ______  CH
    
    A newly-described species, in 2015, at the Laja Lagoon in the Bio-Bio province of Chile.
    
    
    
    Subfamily TROPIDURINAE:  Pacific Iguanids
    
    
100. Atacama Lava Lizard  ______  CH  (WGC:115)
     CH common name: Corredor de Atacama
     Microlophus atacamensis
     
     Endemic to Chile, Microlophus atacamensis is common on dark coastal rocks by the Pacific in the Atacama Desert.
     Microlophus atacamensis and Microlophus tatapacensis are similar in appearance.
      
     
101. Desert Lizard  ______  CH
     CH common name: Corredor de Tarapaca
     Microlophus tarapacensis 
     
     Microlophus tarapacensis occurs in tamarugo groves in Tarapaca in northern Chile.
     
     
102. Four-banded Pacific Iguana  ______  CH
     Microlophus quadrivittatus  
     
     Endemic to Chile, Microlophus quadrivittatus occurs in Arica in northern Chile. 
     
     
103. Microlophus yanezi  ______  CH
     
     Endemic to Chile, Microlophus yanezi occurs in Arica in the far-northern part of the country. 
     
     
104. CH common names: Corredor de Pica (or Corredor de Tereza)  ______  CH  (WGC:115)
     Microlophus theresioides
     
     Endemic to Chile, Microlophus theresioides occurs in desert in the area of Pica in Tararpaca in northern Chile.   
     
     
105. CH common name: Corredor de Arica  ______  CH
     Tropidurus heterolepis 
     
     Tropidurus heterolepis feeds on invertibrates and algae along the Arica coast in northern Chile. 
     
     
     Subfamily TROPIDURINAE: Dragon Lizards
      
     
106. CH common name: Lagarto Dragon de Reiche  ______ CH  (WGC:115)
     Phrynosaura reichei
     
     In northern Chile, Phrynosaura reichei occurs from Arica to Antofagasta, where it is rare. 
     
     
107. CH common name: Lagarto Dragon de Oido Cubierto  ______  CH
     Phrynosaura audituvelata 
     
     In northern Chile, Phrynosaura audituvelata occurs from Arica to Tarapaca, where it is rare. 
     
     
108. CH common name: Lagarto Dragon  ______  CH  (WGC:115)
     Phrynosaura manueli   
     
     Endemic to Chile, Phrynosaura manueli occurs in northern Chile at Diego de Alamgro, in Atacama, where it is rare.
     
     
109. Phrynosauta torresi  ______  CH
     
     Endemic to Chile, Phynosaura torresi occurs only at Calama.
     
     
     Subfamily TROPIDURINAE:  Mountain Lizards
     
     
110. High Mountain Lizard  (t) ______  AR CH  (WGC:115)
     CH common name: Matuasto
     Phymaturus flagellifer 
     
     In Chile, Phymaturus flagellifer occurs from Santiago to Maule. It is also in adjacent Argentina. 
     The species occurs from 1,950 to 11,500 feet above sea level.   
     
     
111. Phymaturus vociferator  ______  CH
     
     Phymaturus vociferator occurs in Chile in the High Andes of Biobio, where it is rare. It makes loud noises when disturbed. 
     
     
     Subfamily TROPIDURINAE:  Patagonian Lizards
     
     
112. Leopard Grumbler  ______  CH  (WGC:115)
     Diplolaemus leopardinus 
     
     In Chile, Diplolaemus leopardinus occurs locally in the Lonquimay Valley in Araucania from 3,500 to 6,500 feet above sea level.
      
     
113. Darwin's Grumbler  ______  CH  (WGC:115)
     Diplolaemus darwinii
     
     In Chile, Diplolaemus darwinii occurs in Magallanes from sea level to 1,300 feet.  
     
     
114. Bibron's Grumbler  ______  CH
     Diplolaemus bibronii 
     
     In Chile, Diplodaemus bibronii occurs from Aisen to Magallanes, from sea level to 3,500 feet. 
     
     
     Subfamily POLYCRINAE:  Primitive Anoles
     
     
115. Southern Grumbler (or Forest Lizard) (*) ______  CH  (WGC:115)
     CH common name: Grunidor del Sur 
     Prisitidactylus torquatus 
     
     Endemic to Chile, Prisitidactylus torquatus occurs from Maule to Los Lagos, in open woodland and matorral.
     
     
116. Prisitidactylus valeriae  (CHr)  ______   CH
     
     Endemic to Chile, Prisitidactylus valeriae occurs locally at Altos de Cantillana in Valparaiso.
     
     
117. Prisitidactylus alvaroi  (CHr) ______   CH
     
     Endemic to Chile, Prisitidactylus alvaroi occurs locally at Cerro El Roble in Santiago. 
     
     
118. Prisitidactylus volcanensis  (CHr) ______  CH  (WGC:115)
     
     Endemic to Chile, Prisitidactylus volcanensis occurs at El Volcan in the Andes near Santiago. 
     
     
     Family TEIIDAE:  Whiptails and Tegus
     
     
119. Chilean Iguana  (CHv) (*)  ______  CH  (WGC:115)
     CH common name: Iguana Chilena
     Callopistes maculatus (palluma) 
     
     Endemic to Chile, Callopistes maculatus occurs from Antofagasta to Maule. 
     
     
     
     
     Two photographs of a Chilean Iguana, during the FONT Chile Tour in November 2011.
     In the lower photo, the lizard is slithering on its way.
     (photos by Frank Stermitz)
     
     
     
     
     
     Family GECKONIDAE:  Geckos
     
     
120. Chilean Marked Gecko  ______  CH  (WGC:116)
     CH common name: Salamanqueja del Norte Chico
     Homonota gaudichaudii 
     
     In Chile, Homonota gaudichaudii occurs from Antofagasta to Coquimbo, where it is found along the desert coast, often near Copao cactus. The species also occurs in nearby Bolivia.
     
     
121. Darwin's Marked Gecko  ______  CH
     Homonota darwinii 
     
     In Chile, Homonota darwinii occurs in Patagonia.
     
     
122. D'Órbigny's Marked Gecko  ______  CH
     Homonota dorbignii
     
     In Chile, Homonota dorbignii occurs from Aconcagua to Valparaiso, where it is mainly coastal. 
     
     
123. Coquimbo Marked Gecko  ______  CH
     Homonota penai 
     
     Endemic to Chile, Homonota penai occurs from Atacama to Coquimbo, in the interior desert.  
     
     
124. Leaf-toed Gecko  ______  CH  (WGC:116)
     CH common name: Salamanqueja del Norte Grande
     Phyllodactylus gerrhopygus  
     
     In Chile, Phyllodactylus gerrhopygus occurs from Arica to Antofagasta.
     
     
125. Phyllodactylus heterurus  ______  CH
     
     Phyllodactylus heterurus is endemic to Chile.
     
     
126. Peru Leaf-toed Gecko  ______  CH
     Phyllodactylus inaequalis 
     
     In Chile, Phyllodactylus inaequalis occurs locally at the Mamina Oasis inland from Iquique on the Antofagasta coast. It also occurs in western Peru. 
     
     
     
     Snakes
     
     Suborder SERPENTES
     
     Family COLUBRIDAE:  Colubrid Snakes
     
     
127. Long-tailed Green Racer  (CHv)  ______  CH  (WGC:117)  (also called Chilean Long-tailed Snake)
     CH common name: Culebra de Cola Larga 
     Philodryas chamissonis 
     
     Philodryas chamissonis is endemic to Chile, occurring from Atacama to Biobio in coastal desert and the Mediterranean zone.  
     
     
128. Elegant Racer  (CHv)  ______  CH  (WGC:117)
     Philodryas (formerly Alsophis) elegans 
     
     In Chile, Philodryas elegans occurs locally in the coastal and inland desert of Tarapaca, from sea level to 10,000 feet.
     
     
129. Schmidt's Racer  (CHv)  ______  CH
     Philodryas tachimenoides
     
     In Chile, Philodryas tachimenoides occurs locally in Arica in Camarones, Lluta, and Azapa Quebradas.
     
     
130. Simon's Racer  ______  CH
     Philodryas simonsii 
     
     In Chile, Philodryas simonsii occurs in Arica.
     
     
131. Chilean Slender Snake  (CHv)  ______  CH  (WGC:117)
     CH common name: Culebra de Cola Corta
     Tachymenis chilensis 
     
     In Chile, Tachymenis chilensis occurs from Atacama to Los Lagos. The species is venomous. It also occurs in Peru.  
     
     
132. Peru Slender Snake  ______  AR CH
     Tachymenis peruviana 
     
     In Chile, Tachymenis peruviana occurs in the High Andes of Arica and Tarapaca. It also occurs in Peru, Bolivia, and in northwest Argentina.
     
     
     Family HYDROPHIIDAE:  Sea Snakes
     
     
133. Yellow-bellied Sea Snake  ______  CH  (WGC:117)
     Pelamis platurus 
     
     Pelamis platurus is widespread in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. 
     
     
     

To Top of Page