Barra do Tapirapés, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Ceará and Piauí. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). It occurs in low to high elevation areas (181–919 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 673 and 1,123 mm.

Semiarboreal and diurnal. Found in seasonally dry forests and gallery forests and adjacent habitats, where it is mainly found in leaf litter and tree trunks (Vanzolini and Williams 1970; Mesquita et al. 2015). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Araneae, Orthoptera and Formicidae the most representative items (Mesquita et al. 2015). Oviparous, the females lay one egg at a time (Mesquita et al. 2015).

Figure 3. 

Lizards recorded in the Caatinga region. 3.1 Norops brasiliensis; 3.2 Norops fuscoauratus; 3.3 Diploglossus lessonae; 3.4 Ophiodes striatus; 3.5 Hemidactylus agrius; 3.6 Hemidactylus brasilianus; 3.7 Hemidactylus mabouia; and 3.8 Lygodactylus klugei. Photograph credits: Mauro Teixeira (3.1), Marco A. Freitas (3.2), Daniel Mesquita (3.5, 3.7), Adrian Garda (3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8)

Rio Mamoré, between Loreto and the confluence of Rio Sara, Moxos province, Bolivia.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia, Ceará and Pernambuco. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along five ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). It occurs in low to high elevation areas (128–919 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 566 and 1,580 mm.

Arboreal and diurnal (Ávila-Pires 1995; Vitt et al. 2008). It inhabits forested environments in the Caatinga (Castro et al. 2019) and prefers more preserved environments with shade (Vitt et al. 2003). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Orthoptera, Araneae and Hemiptera the most representative items (Vitt et al. 2003). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (but see Campos 2016 for details).

Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along seven ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). It occurs in low to high elevation areas (29–1,004 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 412 and 1,479 mm.

Semifossorial and diurnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980). It inhabits arboreal and bush caatinga habits where it is associated with leaf litter, fallen logs and rock crevices (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Vitt 1995; Passos et al. 2011). Diet based mainly on arthropods being Araneae, Blattodea and Coleoptera the most important items (Vitt 1985; Passos et al. 2011; Caldas et al. 2016). Oviparous, the female usually lays 5–7 eggs at a time (Vitt 1992).

state of Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia, Ceará, and Minas Gerais. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). It occurs in medium to high elevation areas (480–872 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 24°C, and average annual rainfall between 690 and 1,402 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Colli et al. 2002; Novelli et al. 2012; Linares and Eterovick 2013). It inhabits areas of relictual humid forest and areas of campos rupestres vegetation (Loebmann and Haddad 2010; Magalhães et al. 2015). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Blattodea, Araneae, and Orthoptera the most representative items. Oviparous, the female usually lays 3–10 eggs at a time (Barros and Teixeira 2007).

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia, Ceará, and Pernambuco. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). It occurs in low to high elevation areas (27–855 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 22 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 617 and 1,403 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Colli et al. 2002; Novelli et al. 2012; Linares and Eterovick 2013). It inhabits high-altitude marsh areas, always found on forest edges (Borges-Nojosa and Caramaschi 2003; Borges-Nojosa and Cascon 2005). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Ophiodes species (Barros and Teixeira 2007; Montechiaro et al. 2011).

Valença, state of Piauí, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, and Rio Grande do Norte. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along four ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). It occurs in low to high elevation areas (5–919 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 492 and 1,402 mm. We highlight the possibility that records made for the Caatinga present identification errors and confusion with H. mabouia.

Terrestrial and nocturnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980). It inhabits rocky outcrop areas, arboreal-shrubby vegetation and shrubby vegetation, having a great variety of microhabitats (Andrade et al. 2020). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being insect larvae, Blattodea and Araneae the most representative items (Andrade et al. 2020). Oviparous, the female usually lays 1–2 eggs at a time (Bezerra et al. 2011).

Rio Pandeiros, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along eight ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). It occurs in low to high elevation areas (34–1,085 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 374 and 1,479 mm.

Terrestrial and nocturnal/crepuscular (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Rodrigues 2003; Menezes et al. 2013). It occurs in open and forested habitats along the Caatinga, where it is commonly associated with areas with rock formations and fallen trunks, dry cactuses, but also observed in bromeliads (Rocha and Rodrigues 2005; Andrade et al. 2013; FRD pers. obs.). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Diplopoda, Gryllotalpidae (Mole cricket) and Isoptera are the most representative items (Mesquita et al. 2006; Menezes et al. 2013). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Hemidactylus (Vitt 1992; Bezerra et al. 2011).

Antilles, restricted to St. Vincent Island, Lesser Antilles, by Stejneger (1904).

In the Caatinga it is recorded in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (18–1,085 m a.s.l.), annual mean temperature 20 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 412 and 1,573 mm.

In South America, H. mabouia is considered an invasive species that was originally introduced either carried by ships used to transport slaves in the 19th century (Goeldi 1902; Vanzolini 1968) or via “natural rafts” (i.e., logs or masses of floating vegetation) (Kluge 1969). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Araneae, Coleoptera and Formicidae the most representative items (Albuquerque et al. 2013), also with records of cannibalism (Bonfiglio et al. 2006). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Vitt 1992).

Carnaubeira, state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along eight ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). It occurs in low to high elevation areas (43–1,105 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 374 and 1,186 mm.

Arboreal and diurnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Vitt 1995). It inhabits areas with rock formations, dense shrubby vegetation and open formation, being restricted to arboreal microhabitats (Vitt 1995; Galdino et al. 2011; Andrade et al. 2013). Distributed throughout the Brazilian Caatinga (Vitt 1995). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Diptera, Coleoptera, and Araneae the most representative items (Vitt 1995). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Vitt 1992).

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). It occurs in high elevation areas (1,105 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature of 21°C, and average annual rainfall of 774 mm.

Arboreal and diurnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Lanna et al. 2018). It is restricted to semiarboreal/ bush vegetation in the Quaternary sand dunes of the São Francisco River (Lanna et al. 2018). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Lygodactylus species (Vitt 1992, 1995).

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). It occurs in high elevation areas (720 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature of 22°C, and average annual rainfall of 750 mm.

Arboreal and diurnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Lanna et al. 2018). It is known only for the municipality of Condeúba, southwestern of the state of Bahia, in areas with rock formations, dense shrubby vegetation and open formation, being restricted to arboreal microhabitats, an environment similar to other Lygodactylus of the Caatinga, although at higher altitudes (Vitt 1995; Galdino et al. 2011; Andrade et al. 2013). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Lygodactylus species (Vitt 1992, 1995).

Villa Nova, municipality of Senhor do Bonfim, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occur along six ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). It occurs in low to high elevation areas (122–1,085 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 412 and 1,042 mm.

Figure 4. 

Lizards recorded in the Caatinga region. 4.1 Acratosaura mentalis; 4.2 Acratosaura spinosa; 4.3 Anotosaura collaris; 4.4 Anotosaura vanzolinia; 4.5 Calyptommatus confusionibus; 4.6 Calyptommatus frontalis; 4.7 Calyptommatus leiolepis; and 4.8 Calyptommatus nicterus. Photograph credits: Marco A. Freitas (4.2, 4.7, 4.8), Miguel T. Rodrigues (4.6), Mauro Teixeira (4.3), Adrian Garda (4.1, 4.4, 4.5).

Fossorial and diurnal (Rodrigues 2003). It is associated with area with shrub vegetation on a sandy soil along the Caatinga (Brito et al. 2012). It is also known to occur in semi-arid Caatinga areas with arboreal vegetation and disturbed areas (FRD pers. obs.). Specimens have already been collected buried in the litter between the rocky extrusions and under a piece of trunk (Delfim and Freire 2007). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Scorpionida, Orthoptera, and insect larvae the most representative items (Costa 2015). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other species of the Iphisiini tribe (Mesquita and Colli 2010).

Caraíbas Farm, municipality of Mucugê, Serra do Sincorá, Serra do Espinhaço, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in high elevation areas (1,025–1,176 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 19 to 20°C, and average annual rainfall between 917 and 996 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Rodrigues et al. 2009a). It was observed under rocks and on a road in a disturbed area of rupestrian fields of the Diamantina Plateau (Rodrigues et al. 2009a). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to others of the Iphisiini tribe (Mesquita and Colli 2010; Costa 2015).

Villa Nova, municipality of Senhor do Bonfim, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (468–637 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 22 to 24°C, and average annual rainfall between 762 and 901 mm.

Fossorial or semifossorial and diurnal (Rodrigues et al. 2013). It is observed in relatively open habitats, in the Caatinga, under leaf litter or small rocks of forested areas of isolated mountaintops in clayey soils (Rodrigues et al. 2013). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Anotosaura species (Oliveira et al. 2018).

Agrestina, state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, and Rio Grande do Norte. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along four ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (43–883 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 412 and 1,073 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal. It occurs in different habitats, with prevalence in microhabitats with leaf litter and earthy soil near rocky outcrops (Oliveira and Pessanha 2013). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Formicidae, Isoptera and Coleoptera the most representative items. Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Oliveira et al. 2018).

Toca da Cabocla, Serra Grande, Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões, state of Piauí, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Piauí. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to medium elevation areas (259–596 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 25 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 702 and 831 mm.

Fossorial and nocturnal (Rodrigues et al. 2001; Rodrigues 2003). It is associated with sandy soil patches along the Caatinga (Rodrigues et al. 2001). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Calyptommatus species (Rodrigues 1991a).

Lameirão, Buritirama, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium elevation areas (503–600 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 24°C, and average annual rainfall between 942 and 953 mm.

Fossorial and nocturnal (Recoder et al. 2022). Recorded to occur in a sandstone plateau, characterized by white sandy soils, on the east side of Serra do Estreito. The vegetation is a short xeromorphic caatinga vegetation with sparse trees, shrubs, cacti and clumps of bromeliads with scattered spaces of bare sand. Individuals were found buried in sand under leaf litter in shaded microhabitats (Recoder et al. 2022). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Calyptommatus species (Rodrigues 1991a).

Ibiraba, state of Bahia, Brazil

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the states of Bahia and Pernambuco. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (315–643 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 23 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 528 and 849 mm.

Fossorial and nocturnal (Rodrigues 1991a; Rocha and Rodrigues 2005; Siedchlag et al. 2010). It is associated with sandy soil patches along right and left São Francisco riverbanks in the arboreal and herbaceous vegetation of the Caatinga (Rodrigues 1991a, 1996b). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being insect larvae, Isoptera and Coleoptera the most representative items (Rodrigues 1991a; Rocha and Rodrigues 2005). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Rodrigues 1991a).

Capim Verde, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium elevation areas (399–446 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 25 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 674 and 970 mm.

Fossorial and nocturnal (Rodrigues 1991a; Rocha and Rodrigues 2005; Siedchlag et al. 2010). It is associated with sandy soil patches along the Caatinga (Rodrigues 1991a). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Tenebrionidae the most representative item (Rodrigues 1991a). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Rodrigues 1991a).

Figure 5. 

Lizards recorded in the Caatinga region. 5.1 Calyptommatus sinebrachiatus; 5.2 Cercosaura olivacea; 5.3 Colobosaura modesta; 5.4 Colobosauroides carvalhoi; 5.5 Colobosauroides cearensis; 5.6 Dryadosaura nordestina; 5.7 Heterodactylus septentrionalis and 5.8 Leposoma baturitensis. Photograph credits: Ricardo Marques (5.1), Mauro Teixeira (5.4), Daniel Mesquita (5.3), Kássio Araújo (5.5), Marco A. Freitas (5.7), Adrian Garda (5.2, 5.6).

Santo Inácio, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Bahia and Piauí. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (405–896 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 22 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 622 and 831 mm.

Fossorial and nocturnal (Rodrigues 1991a, Rocha and Rodrigues 2005, Siedchlag et al. 2010). It is associated with sandy soil patches along the Caatinga (Rodrigues 1991a). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Tenebrionidae the most representative item (Rodrigues 1991a). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Rodrigues 1991a).

Caatinga endemic lineage. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium elevation areas (407 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 25°C, and average annual rainfall between 727 mm.

Fossorial and nocturnal (Recoder et al. 2022). It inhabits patches of sandy soil in the Quaternary sand dunes of the São Francisco River (Recoder et al. 2022). Calyptommatus sp. 1 “Lagoa do Fábio” was recovered as sister clade of C. confusionibus. Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Calyptommatus species (Rodrigues 1991a).

Caatinga endemic lineage. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to medium elevation areas (462 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 25°C, and average annual rainfall between 901 mm.

Fossorial and nocturnal (Recoder et al. 2022). It inhabits patches of sandy soil in the Quaternary sand dunes of the São Francisco River (Recoder et al. 2022).

Calyptommatus sp. 2 “Barra” were retrieved nested within C. leiolepis with strong support for the external node, but with weak support for internal relationships among clades. Both have a narrow parapatric distribution on the Xique-Xique dune field (Recoder et al. 2022).

Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Calyptommatus species (Rodrigues 1991a).

State of Pernambuco, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Norte. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along seven ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (36–909 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 420 and 1,548 mm.

Fossorial and both diurnal and nocturnal (DOM pers. obs.). It is found in enclaves of open areas and in the brejos nordestinos (Borges-Nojosa and Caramaschi 2003), more precisely on the edge or inside forests close to watercourses (Recoder and Nogueira 2007; Macedo et al. 2008). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Cercosaura (Balestrin et al. 2010; Cossovich et al. 2011; Sturaro et al. 2018).

Morro da Garça, municipality of Curvelo, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia, Ceará and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along four ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (29–919 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 702 and 1,413 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Benozzati and Rodrigues 2003; Mesquita et al. 2006). It inhabits dry forest and savannah enclaves in the Caatinga (Freire et al. 2012). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Araneae, Orthoptera and Blattaria the most representative items (Mesquita et al. 2006; Torelli et al. 2017). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Mesquita and Colli 2010).

Barreiras, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Bahia, Ceará and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (259–724 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 22 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 702 and 1,402 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Soares and Caramaschi 1998). It can be found in savannah areas (forested hillside areas where moisture is retained), surrounded by caatinga areas and in a Cerrado-Caatinga transition areas (Soares and Caramaschi 1998; Magalhães-Júnior et al. 2017). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, Orthoptera and Blattaria the most representative items (Mesquita et al. 2006; Cavalcanti et al. in press). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Colobosauroides (Silva Neta et al. 2019).

Sítio Lorena, municipality of Mulungu, Serra de Baturité, state of Ceará, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Ceará, Paraíba, and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (18–855 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 22 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 760 and 1,573 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal. In habits shaded microhabitats in the Caatinga and prefers microenvironments with leaf litter and minimal direct exposure to sunlight (Borges-Nojosa and Caramaschi 2003; Rodrigues 2003; Silva Neta et al. 2019). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Hymenoptera, Isoptera and Insect larvae the most representative items. Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Silva Neta et al. 2019).

João Pessoa, state of Paraíba, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia, Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Rio Grande do Norte. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (34–739 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 542 and 1,479 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Rodrigues et al. 2005). Occurring in areas of semideciduous forest (Mesquita et al. 2018), dry forest (FRD pers. obs.) and tabuleiros with dry vegetation and in remnants of Atlantic Forest in the Northeast in small forest fragments, influenced by the forest edge effect (Garda et al. 2014). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Formicidae, insect larvae and Araneae the most representative items. Ovi­parous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Garda et al. 2014).

Fazenda Caraíbas, municipality of Mucugê, Serra do Espinhaço, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (­Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in high elevation areas (1,084–1,091 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature of 20°C, and average annual rainfall between 904 and 1,013 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Rodrigues et al. 2009b). It inhabits cold climate areas, associated with high altitudes and mountainous areas in eastern Brazil (Rodrigues et al. 2009b). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Heterodactylus species (Morton et al. 2012).

Sítio Barbosa, municipality of Pacoti, Serra de Baturité, state of Ceará, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Alagoas and Ceará. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along four ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (142–839 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 778 and 1,580 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Teixeira and Fonseca 2003). It inhabits high altitude areas inside Caatinga, and it can be found in disturbed areas in the spaces between the roots of banana trees (Borges-Nojosa 2007), and in primary and secondary forests (Rodrigues and Borges 1997; Roberto and Albano 2012). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known (Teixeira and Fonseca 2003). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Roberto and Albano 2012).

Banks of Rio Amazon, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in high elevation areas (822–926 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 21°C, and average annual rainfall between 806 and 908 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Teixeira and Fonseca 2003). It inhabits high altitude areas with forested vegetation inside Caatinga (Damasceno et al. 2020). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, Araneae and Collembola the most representative items. Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Teixeira and Fonseca 2003).

Municipality of Maruim, state of Sergipe, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (17–1,008 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 532 and 1,573 mm.

Figure 6. 

Lizards recorded in the Caatinga region. 6.1 Micrablepharus maximiliani; 6.2 Nothobachia ablephara; 6.3 Procellosaurinus erythrocercus; 6.4 Procellosaurinus tetradactylus; 6.5 Psilops mucugensis; 6.6 Psilops paeminosus; 6.7 Scriptosaura catimbau, and 6.8 Stenolepis ridleyi. Photograph credits: Mauro Teixeira (6.2, 6.4, 6.6), Marco A. Freitas (6.8), Adrian Garda (6.1, 6.3, 6.5, 6.7).

Terrestrial and diurnal (Rodrigues 1996a). It is found mainly in open areas, sandy soils and among litter, but also inside termite mounds, among scattered grasses or herbaceous beach vegetation, and in rocky outcrops (Freire 1996; Rodrigues 1996a, 2003; Mesquita et al. 2006; Silva et al. 2006; Couto-Ferreira et al. 2011). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Orthoptera, Homoptera and Araneae the most representative items (Vitt 1991; Dal Vechio et al. 2014). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Mesquita and Colli 2010; Dal Vechio et al. 2014).

São Raimundo Nonato, state of Piauí, Brazil (corrected to Sal, state of Piauí, Brazil, 09°11 'S, 42°03'W).

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded in the states of Bahia, Pernambuco and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (259–643 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 24 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 528 and 861 mm.

Fossorial and both diurnal and nocturnal (Rodrigues 2003). It can be found in patches of sand soil in the arboreal and herbaceous vegetation in the Caatinga (Rodrigues 1984). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, insect larvae and Araneae the most representative items (Rocha and Rodrigues 2005; Santos et al. 2012). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Ramiro et al. 2017).

Olho d’Água dos Tangarás farm, Maciço de Baturité, municipality of Pacoti, state of Ceará, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Ceará. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (142–839 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 1,089 and 1,628 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Borges-Nojosa et al. 2016). Found mainly in areas of brejos nordestinos (Borges-Nojosa et al. 2016). Most specimens were found in litter from primary and secondary vegetation, or in banana plantations, but it can also be found in tree trunks (Lima 2005; Borges-Nojosa et al. 2016). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known (Marques et al. 2009). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Placosoma species (Uzzell 1959).

Ibiraba, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Bahia, Pernambuco, and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along four ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (259–643 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 24 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 528 and 940 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Rodrigues 1991c; Rocha and Rodrigues 2005). It inhabits sand soil patches and dunes, much typical on both sides of the São Francisco River (Rodrigues 1991c; Delfim et al. 2011). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Araneae, Thysanura, and Orthoptera the most representative items (Rocha and Rodrigues 2005). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Procellosaurinus species (Ramiro et al. 2017).

Alagoado, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium elevation areas (405–447 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature of 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 572 and 726 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Rodrigues 1991c; 1996b, Rocha and Rodrigues 2005). It inhabits patches of sandy soil and dunes on the left bank of the São Francisco River (Rodrigues 1991c). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known (Rocha and Rodrigues 2005). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Ramiro et al. 2017).

Três Irmãos Farm, municipality of Mu­cugê, Serra do Espinhaço (Diamantina Plateau), state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (587–1,085 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 24°C, and average annual rainfall between 662 and 917 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Rodrigues 1991b). It has a strict association with sandy soils. It was recorded in open areas with a sandy quartzite soil in the municipality of Miguel Calmon, in open semideciduous forest in the municiplaty of Morro do Chapéu, in a plateau covered by lower semideciduous vegetation in Mucugê, and in rupestrian fields in Palmeiras (Magalhães et al. 2015; Rodrigues et al. 2017). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known, but it could be similar to other Psilops (Costa 2015). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Gymnophthalmidae (Mesquita and Colli 2010; Dal Vechio et al. 2014; Ramiro et al. 2017).

Santo Inácio, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along five ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (271–916 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 470 and 980 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal (Rodrigues 1991b). Recorded in sandy soil litter, associated with undergrowth, in clusters of vegetation (Rodrigues 1991b) such as cacti and bromeliads (Delfim et al. 2006). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Araneae, Blattodea and Hemiptera the most representative items (Costa 2015). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Gymnophthalmidae (Mesquita and Colli 2010; Dal Vechio et al. 2014; Ramiro et al. 2017).

Porto Seguro Farm, municipality of Buíque, Parque Nacional do Catimbau, state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Pernambuco. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in high elevation areas (705–869 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 22°C, and average annual rainfall between 609 and 869 mm

Fossorial and diurnal (Rodrigues and Santos 2008; Bars-Closel et al. 2018). It is adapted for sandy soils between litter around vegetation thickets. Found buried in the sand some fields below the surface (Rodrigues and Santos 2008). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to others of the Gymnophthalmini tribe (Rodrigues 1991a; Rocha and Rodrigues 2005; Santos et al. 2012; Ramiro et al. 2017).

Igarassu forest (also referred to as Iguarassu), state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Ceará, Paraíba, and Pernambuco. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along five ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (128–855 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 532 and 1,467 mm.

Fossorial and diurnal. It occurs in isolated forest remnants in the semi-arid Northeast, associated with high-altitude marshes and mountainous areas (Borges-Nojosa and Caramaschi 2003; Rodrigues et al. 2007; Roberto and Loebmann 2016). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to others of the Iphisiini tribe (Mesquita and Colli 2010; Costa 2015).

Senhor do Bonfim, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (5–1,008 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 374 and 1,400 mm.

Figure 7. 

Lizards recorded in the Caatinga region. 7.1 Vanzosaura multiscutata; 7.2 Hoplocercus spinosus; 7.3 Iguana iguana; 7.4 Enyalius bibronii; 7.5 Enyalius catenatus; 7.6 Enyalius erythroceneus; 7.7 Enyalius pictus, and 7.8 Gymnodactylus geckoides. Photograph credits: Daniel Mesquita (7.3, 7.8), Marco A. Freitas (7.5, 7.6, 7.7), Adrian Garda (7.1, 7.2, 7.4).

Fossorial and diurnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Vitt 1995). They are found in different vegetation environments, related to litter in different types of soil (Delfim and Freire 2007; Recoder et al. 2014; Caldas et al. 2016; Freitas et al. 2019). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Araneae, insect larvae, Orthoptera and Hemiptera the most representative items (Vitt 1995; Mesquita et al. 2006; Recoder et al. 2014). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Vitt 1992; Moraes 1993).

America and Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia and Piauí. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (448–643 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 24 to 25°C, and average annual rainfall between 827 and 1,029 mm.

Terrestrial and both diurnal and nocturnal (Ávila-Pires 1995). Found in arboreal caatinga of the Parque Nacional Serra das Confusões (Torres-Carvajal et al. 2011). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Blattodea, Coleoptera and Araneae the most representative items (Ávila-Pires 1995). Oviparous no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species.

“Indiis”, restricted by Hoogmoed (1973) to the confluence of the Cottica River and the Perica Creek, Suriname.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (5–919 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 412 and 1,592 mm.

Arboreal and diurnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980). It occurs widely in the Caatinga, being found mainly in riparian forests (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Freitas and Silva 2007). Diet is based mainly on vegetables (leaves, shoots, flowers, fruits, and occasionally seeds) (Vanzolini et al. 1980; van Marken Lichtenbelt 1993; Kaplan 2014). Oviparous, on female the clutch size is varied in in different populations, in Pantanal the clutch size range is 12–19 eggs (Campos 2004) and in Amazonia is 20–33 eggs (Haller and Rodrigues 2005).

State of Bahia, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, and Rio Grande do Norte. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along eight ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (23–1,006 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 495 and 1,580 mm.

Semiarboreal and diurnal (Rodrigues et al. 2014). It is typical of forest enclaves in arid environments of the Caatinga and scattered patches of the semiarid (Jackson 1978; Rodrigues et al. 2006). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Hemiptera the most representative items (Costa 2015). Oviparous, the female usually lays 7–10 eggs at a time (Lagares 2019).

‘‘Brésil’’ [= Brazil].

In the Caatinga it is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in high elevation areas (1,441 m a.s.l.), annual mean temperature 18°C, and average annual rainfall 1,118 mm.

Semiarboreal and diurnal (Rodrigues et al. 2014). In the Caatinga it occurs in an area that mix of campos rupestres and cerrado vegetation, living in leaf litter under shrubs (Sales et al. 2015). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Hymenoptera, Orthoptera and Blattodea the most representative items (Teixeira et al. 2005). Oviparous, the female usually lays 2–6 eggs at a time (Teixeira et al. 2005).

Cabeça do Boi, Bahia, Brazil (fide Etheridge 1968) [= Jequié, Bahia]; “sertao (= interior) of Bahia” (fide Jackson 1978).

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia and Pernambuco. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (96–1,006 m a.s.l.), annual mean temperature 20 to 24°C, and average annual rainfall between 635 and 1,398 mm.

Semiarboreal and diurnal (Rodrigues et al. 2014). It occurs in humid forest enclaves of the Caatinga, with shaded environments and abundant litter (Arzabe et al. 2005) Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, insect larvae and Hymenoptera the most representative items (Cruz et al. 2018). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Enyalius (Migliore et al. 2014).

Fazenda Caraíbas, municipality of Mucugê, Serra do Espinhaço (Chapada Diamantina), state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in high elevation areas (1,085–1,091 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20°C, and average annual rainfall between 904 and 917 mm.

Figure 8. 

Lizards recorded in the Caatinga region. 8.1 Gymnodactylus vanzolinii; 8.2 Phyllopezus diamantino; 8.3 Phyllopezus periosus; 8.4 Phyllopezus pollicaris; 8.5 Phyllopezus selmae, 8.6 Polychrus acutirostris; 8.7 Polychrus marmoratus, and 8.8 Brasiliscincus heathi. Photograph credits: Mauro Teixeira (8.1), José Cassimiro (8.2), Fagner Delfim (8.3), Daniel Mesquita (8.7), Marcos Dubeux (8.5), Adrian Garda (8.4, 8.6, 8.8).

Semiarboreal and diurnal (Rodrigues et al. 2006, 2014). It is known from an area of semideciduous forest, locally called the “carrasco”, which is characterized by the abundance of Myrtaceae, and gallery forest along the river valleys (Rodrigues et al. 2006). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known (Cruz et al. 2018). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Enyalius (Migliore et al. 2014).

Mucuri and Lago d’Arara, state of Bahia, Brazil.

It is recorded only in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (475–916 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 24°C, and average annual rainfall between 804 and 910 mm.

Semiarboreal and diurnal (Rodrigues et al. 2014). It inhabits regions of rupestrian fields and cerrados in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia (Freitas and Silva 2007). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known (Cruz et al. 2018). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Enyalius (Migliore et al. 2014).

State of Bahia, Brasil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (34–1,006 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 374 and 1,479 mm.

Terrestrial and crespuscular/nocturnal (Vanzolini et al. 1981; Vitt 1995; Andrade et al. 2013; TBG and FRD pers. obs.). It is occurring in all kinds of caatinga vegetation, in open and forest environments in litter, trunks and rocky outcrops beyond coastal restinga (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Vanzolini 2004). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera and Formicidae the most representative items (Colli et al. 2003). Oviparous, the female usually lays one egg at a time (Vitt 1992; Souza-Oliveira et al. 2017).

Municipality of Mucugê, Serra do Sincorá, Chapada Diamantina, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in high elevation areas (1,085–1,091 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20°C, and average annual rainfall between 904 and 917 mm.

Terrestrial and nocturnal (Cassimiro and Rodrigues 2009; Freitas et al. 2012). It has been associated with rupestrian fields, found in rocky outcrop crevices, dominated by pioneer vegetation (Cassimiro and Rodrigues 2009; Silva Júnior 2010). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known (Cruz et al. 2018). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Gymnodactylus (Vitt 1992; Souza-Oliveira et al. 2017).

Municipality of Mucugê, Serra do Sincorá, Chapada Diamantina, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in high elevation areas (935–1,010 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20°C, and average annual rainfall of 996 mm.

Terrestrial and nocturnal. The species is known only from the mountains of Serra do Sincorá, occurring in areas of campos rupestres vegetation. Observed specimens on rocky outcrops and in tree and shrub trunks (Dubeux et al. 2022). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known (Albuquerque et al. 2013; Palmeira et al. 2021). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Phyllopezus (Mesquita and Colli 2010; Lima et al. 2011).

Bravo Farm, municipality of Cabaceiras, state of Paraíba, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Alagoas, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along five ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (54–869 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 412 and 1,475 mm.

Saxicolous and nocturnal. It has ambush foraging habits, associated with rock formations, with emphasis on the use of cracks in rocks and bare rock (Vanzolini 1953; Rodrigues 1986a; Vitt 1995; Freire et al. 2000; Passos et al. 2013b). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Blattodea the most representative items (Palmeira et al. 2021). Oviparous, the female usually lays eight eggs at a time (Lima et al. 2011).

Sylvis interioris Bahiae campestribus, according Vanzolini (1968) state of Bahia, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (70–1,450 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 18 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 374 and 1,532 mm.

Semiarboreal and nocturnal. It is found both in open formations and in forested areas along the Caatinga (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Ávila-Pires 1995). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Araneae the most representative items (Albuquerque et al. 2013). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Vitt 1992; Mesquita and Colli 2010).

Municipality of Boca da Mata, Cariri da Prensa Farm, state of Alagoas, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Alagoas. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (68–780 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 24°C, and average annual rainfall of 861 and 1382 mm.

Terrestrial and nocturnal. The species is found in rocky outcrops and trees. Were mainly observed active in the early evening when foraging in forested sites near rivers with rocky bed (Dubeux et al. 2022). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known (Albuquerque et al. 2013; Palmeira et al. 2021). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Phyllopezus (Mesquita and Colli 2010; Lima et al. 2011).

State of Bahia, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along eight ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (34–1,085 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 412 and 1,532 mm.

Arboreal and diurnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980). It inhabits arboreal savannas with open vegetation and different types of vegetation in the high and low altitude caatinga, mainly found in branches of trees and shrubs (Ávila-Pires 1995; Vitt 1995; Rodrigues 1996b; 2003; Mesquita et al. 2018). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Orthoptera and Coleoptera the most representative items, in addition to plant material (Garda et al. 2012). Oviparous, the female usually lays 7–31 eggs at a time (Vitt 1992; Garda et al. 2012).

“Hispania”, restricted by Hoogmoed (1973) to the vicinity of Paramaribo, Suriname.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Rio Grande do Norte. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along four ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (81–855 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 22 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 778 and 1,413 mm.

Arboreal and diurnal. Occurring in the caatinga associated with tropical forests relics (Vanzolini 1983; Ávila-Pires 1995; Loebmann and Haddad 2010). Diet based mainly on arthropods with a variety of insects and spiders, in addition to plant material (Vanzolini 1983; Ávila-Pires 1995). Oviparous, the female usually lays 8–10 eggs at a time (Rand 1982).

Paraguay.

In the Caatinga it is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in high elevation areas (787–872 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 22°C, and average annual rainfall between 690 and 813 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal (Vrcibradic et al. 2004). It has been associated with rupestrian fields, found in rocky outcrop crevices reported by Freitas and Silva (2007). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known (Vrcibradic et al. 2004). Viviparous, no detailed data on the number of embryos of the species per clutch are known, but it could be similar to other Aspronema (Vrcibradic et al. 2011).

Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (5–1,085 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 450 and 1,413 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980). It inhabits open landscapes in herbaceous caatinga vegetation (Vanzolini et al. 1980). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Orthoptera, insect larvae, Homoptera and Isoptera the most representative items (Mesquita et al. 2006; Ferreira et al. 2017). Viviparous, the female usually with clutch of 1–6 embryos (Vitt and Blackburn 1983).

Arajara, state of Ceará, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Ceará, Pernambuco, and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (23–927 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 523 and 1,413 mm.

Figure 9. 

Lizards recorded in the Caatinga region. 9.1 Copeoglossum arajara; 9.2 Copeoglossum nigropunctatum; 9.3 Notomabuya frenata; 9.4 Psychosaura agmosticha; 9.5 Psychosaura macrorhyncha; 9.6 Coleodactylus meridionalis; 9.7 Gonatodes humeralis, and 9.8 Ameiva ameiva. Photograph credits: Samuel Ribeiro (9.1), Daniel Mesquita (9.4, 9.7), Fagner Delfim (9.3), Adrian Garda (9.2, 9.5, 9.6, 9.8).

Terrestrial and diurnal. It is recorded in a narrow transitional area, on the edges of the forest and open areas, in different mesic environments (Ribeiro et al. 2008; Roberto and Loebmann 2010; Roberto et al. 2010). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera the most representative item. Viviparous, the female usually with clutch of 2–9 embryos (Ribeiro et al. 2015).

Ecgá, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along seven ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (80–872 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 447 and 1,467 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. Lives in leaf litter and tree trunks in open areas and forest (Vitt and Blackburn 1991; Ávila-Pires 1995; Borges-Nojosa and Caramaschi 2003). In the Caatinga it can be found in dense arboreal vegetation with some shrubby elements in compact sandy soil (Cavalcanti et al. 2014). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, Araneae and Homoptera the most representative items (Vitt et al. 1997a; Mesquita et al. 2006). Viviparous, the female usually with clutch of 2–9 embryos (Vitt and Blackburn 1991).

Río Paraguay valley, Paraguay.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Ceará, Minas Gerais, and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (475–919 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 24°C, and average annual rainfall between 813 and 1,090 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It is reported to occur in open environments, on rocks and forest edges, and in some urban areas (Vrcibradic and Rocha 1998a, Cruz et al. 2014). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, Orthoptera and Araneae the most representative items (Vrcibradic and Rocha 1998a), also with a record of cannibalism (Vrcibradic and Rocha 1996). Viviparous, the female usually with clutch of 2–8 embryos (Vrcibradic and Rocha 1998b).

Xingó, state of Alagoas, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along four ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (80–869 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 412 and 932 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It is found in Caatinga areas where there is predominance of bromeliads (Rodrigues 2000). Despite occurring in many locations in the Caatinga and in different phytophysiognomies, the distribution pattern is relictual, due to the availability of its microhabitat (bromelias) (Rodrigues 2003; Magalhães et al. 2014). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Blattodea and Araneae the most representative items (Jorge 2019). Viviparous, the female usually with clutch of 1–4 embryos (Stevaux 1993).

Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along five ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (34–1,006 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 483 and 1,479 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. They in a great variety of habitats, including open and forested areas inside Caatinga; under litter, rocks, shrubs and are generally associated with bromeliads (Vrcibradic and Rocha 1995; Dias and Lira-da-Silva 1998; Rodrigues 2003). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Araneae, Blattodea and Hymenoptera the most representative items (Vrcibradic and Rocha 1995; Dias and Lira-da-Silva 1998), also being recorded occasionally preying on frogs (Vrcibradic and Rocha 1995). Viviparous, the female usually with clutch of 1–6 embryos (Vrcibradic and Rocha 2011).

Igarassu, state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (5–934 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 532 and 660 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It is found in leaf litter of the arboreal Caatinga, with moist soil (Carvalho et al. 2005; Capistrano and Freire 2008; da Silva et al. 2015). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Orthoptera, Isopoda and Araneae the most representative items (Dias et al. 2003; da Silva et al. 2015). Oviparous, the female usually lays one egg at a time (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Mesquita and Colli 2010).

Rio Ucayali, Mission de Sarayacu, Peru.

In the Caatinga it is recorded only in the state of Ceará. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low elevation areas (27–38 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature of 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 1139 and 1,367 mm.

Semiarboreal and diurnal (Oliveira et al. 2021). It inhabits areas of forest fragments, along the coastal landscape, with vegetation with a predominance of trees and shrubs. Occurring predominantly on tree trunks, living or dead (Oliveira et al. 2021). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Araneae, Coleoptera and Orthoptera the most representative items (Oliveira et al. 2021). Oviparous, the female usually lays one egg at a time (Vitt et al. 1997b).

America, restricted by Hoogmoed (1973) to the confluence of the Cottica River and the Perica Creek, Suriname.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (5–1,105 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 374 and 1,573 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980). It is widely distributed in open areas in South America (Vanzolini et al. 1980). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, insect larvae and Coleoptera the most representative items (Vitt and Colli 1994). Oviparous, the female usually lays 1–9 eggs at a time (Vitt 1992).

Toca da Cabocla, municipality of Caracol, Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões , state of Piauí, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Piauí. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occurs along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium elevation areas (310–596 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 25 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 827 and 940 mm.

Figure 10. 

Lizards recorded in the Caatinga region. 10.1 Ameivula confusioniba; 10.2 Ameivula nigrigula; 10.3 Ameivula ocellifera; 10.4 Ameivula pyrrhogularis; 10.5 Glaucomastix cyanura; 10.6 Glaucomastix venetacauda; 10.7 Kentropyx calcarata, and 10.8 Salvator merianae. Photograph credits: Adrian Garda (10.1, 10.3, 10.6, 10.7), Daniel Mesquita (10.2), Davi Pantoja (10.4), Ricardo Marques (10.5), Fagner Delfim (10.8).

Terrestrial and diurnal. It is seen foraging among tufts of Caatinga on white sand soils. Eventually found crossing rocky areas (Arias et al. 2011a, 2011b). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Ameivula (Mesquita and Colli 2003; Sales and Freire 2016).

Santo Inácio, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along four ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (218–1,085 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 25°C, and average annual rainfall between 492 and 980 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal (Arias et al. 2011a). The microhabitat most used by juveniles and adults was leaf litter under bush, followed by leaf litter under herbaceous vegetation. Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, Araneae, and Coleoptera the most representative items (Xavier et al. 2019), also with record of cannibalism (Oliveira et al. 2017). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Ameivula (Mesquita and Colli 2003; Sales and Freire 2016).

State of Bahia, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and occurs along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (5–1,196 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 374 and 1,573 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980). It can be found in all kind of open vegetation landscapes in the Caatinga (Rocha and Siqueira 2008). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, Insect larvae, and Orthoptera the most representative items (Mesquita and Colli 2003). Oviparous, the female usually lays 1–5 eggs at a time (Mesquita and Colli 2003; Sales and Freire 2016).

Fazenda Bonito, municipality of Castelo do Piauí, state of Piauí, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia, Ceará, Pernambuco, and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along four ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (53–840 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 22 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 528 and 1,198 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It can be found in a variety of habitats like pasture even in rocky areas, open cerrado, in sandy or rocky soils, around boulders, on forest edges, being also common around human habitation (Silva and Ávila-Pires 2013). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera the most representative items (Silva et al. 2019). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Ameivula (Mesquita and Colli 2003; Sales and Freire 2016).

Morro do Chapéu, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (482–1,006 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 25°C, and annual average annual rainfall between 707 and 751 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. Occurring in campos rupestres on white sand soils, observed foraging in the leaf litter and sand near rocky outcrops (Arias et al. 2011a; Pinto-Silva and Silva-Soares 2018). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known, but it could be similar to other Glaucomastix (Cavalcanti et al. in press). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Ameivula (Mesquita and Colli 2003; Sales and Freire 2016; Xavier et al. 2019).

Olho D’água da Santa, municipality of Caracol, Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões, state of Piauí, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Piauí. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to medium elevation areas (259–583 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 25 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 702 and 1,029 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It can be found in areas with sandy soils with sandstone outcrops of the Parque Nacional Serra das Confusões. They often took refuge under rocks, fallen logs, piles of rubble or small holes in the groundalong the caatinga vegetation (Arias et al. 2011b). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Pseudoescorpiones and Isoptera the most representative items (Cavalcanti et al. in press). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Ameivula (Mesquita and Colli 2003; Sales and Freire 2016; Xavier et al. 2019).

Rio Itapecuru, state of Maranhão, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along five ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to medium elevation areas (80–489 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 23 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 500 and 1,327 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It can be found in forested and open areas typical of savannas (Gallagher and Dixon 1992; Harvey et al. 2012). It was recorded in a mangrove area in the Delta do Parnaíba in the state of Piauí (Roberto et al. 2012; Araújo et al. 2020) and in “brejos nordestinos” in the middle of the Caatinga of the Serra de Baturité (Borges-Nojosa and Caramaschi 2003). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Araneae and Orthoptera the most representative items (Franzini et al. 2019). Oviparous, the female usually lays 3–11 eggs at a time (Werneck et al. 2009; Filadelfo et al. 2013).

Cayenne, French Guiana; Brazil; Montevideo, Uruguay.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along eight ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (5–919 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 28°C, and annual average annual rainfall between 412 and 1,573 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It is found in all kind of open vegetation landscapes inside Caatinga (Barbosa et al. 2018; Castro et al. 2019). Diet is omnivorous, generalist eating invertebrates (e.g., Araneae, Orthoptera, and Blattaria), small vertebrates (e.g., anuros, snakes, and Muridae), eggs, carrion, and fruits (e.g., Arecaceae and Moraceae) (Kiefer and Sazima 2002; Castro and Galleti 2004; Silva and Hillesheim 2004; Oliveira-Santos and Leuchtenberger 2009). Oviparous, the female usually lays 20–50 eggs at a time (Yanosky and Mercolli 1991; Naretto el al. 2015).

“Indiis”, restricted by Presch (1973) to Paramaribo, Suriname.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia, Ceará, and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to medium elevation areas (5–405 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 26 to 28°C, and annual average annual rainfall between 726 and 1,311 mm.

Figure 11. 

Lizards recorded in the Caatinga region. 11.1 Tupinambis teguixin; 11.2 Eurolophosaurus amathites; 11.3 Eurolophosaurus divaricatus; 11.4 Stenocercus squarrosus; 11.5 Strobilurus torquatus; 11.6 Tropidurus cocorobensis; 11.7 Tropidurus erythrocephalus, and 11.8 Tropidurus etheridgei. Photograph credits: Daniel Mesquita (11.1, 11.4), Marco A. Freitas (11.2, 11.3, 11.5, 11.7, 11.8), Adrian Garda (11.6).

Terrestrial and diurnal. Occurs in sandy soil and riparian vegetation with deciduous and thorny shrubs in a semiarid climate (Passos et al. 2013a). Diet is omnivorous, generalist eating invertebrates (e.g., Gastropoda, Araneae and Coleoptera), small vertebrates (e.g., anuros, serpentes, and pisces), eggs, carrion, and fruits and plants (e.g., vegetal matter and Pindó) (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Mercolli and Yanosky 1994). Oviparous, the female usually lays 13–29 eggs at a time (Vanzolini et al. 1980).

Santo Inácio, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to medium elevation areas (405–587 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 24 to 26°C, and annual average annual rainfall between 572 and 745 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It occurs in the sand dunes of the São Francisco River. The microhabitat used by this species is the leaf litter under shrubs and vegetation with a height of less than 2 m (Xavier et al. 2021). With the human presence, it seeks shelter amidst vegetation (Rodrigues 1986b). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Hymenoptera, Blattodea, and plant leaves the most representative items. Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Xavier et al. 2021).

Arraial do Paulista, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium elevation areas (400–484 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 572 and 732 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It normally occurs in open areas of sandy environments and habitats (Rocha and Rodrigues 2005). Diet based mainly on arthropods and flowers, being Formicidae and Coleoptera the most representative items (Rocha and Rodrigues 2005). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Eurolophosaurus (Galdino et al. 2003; Xavier et al. 2021).

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along one ecoregion (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium elevation areas (447–484 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature of 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 572 and 578 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. According to Rodrigues et al. (2006), it is a species of the genus Eurolophosaurus that occurs in the dune field of Casa Nova, left bank of the São Francisco River and advanced as E. divaricatus. It is a non-elevated species, aff to E. divaricatus, under description (Freitas and Silva 2007). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Eurolophosaurus (Galdino et al. 2003; Rocha and Rodrigues 2005; Xavier et al. 2021).

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in high elevation areas (634–1,391 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 19 to 23°C, and average annual rainfall between 638 and 1,019 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It is a species of Eurolophosaurus related to Eurolophosaurus nanuzae (Rodrigues et al. 2006). Occurring in areas of white sandy soils covered by an open cerrado like vegetation, mixed with that of campos rupestres (Rodrigues et al. 2006). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Eurolophosaurus (Galdino et al. 2003; Rocha and Rodrigues 2005; Xavier et al. 2021).

Chapada dos Gerais, a sandstone plateau in Parque Nacional Serra das Confusões, state of Piauí, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Ceará and Piauí. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (259–919 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 27°C, and annual average annual rainfall between 702 and 1,074 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. This species is recorded in isolated elevated plateaus Ceará (Floresta Nacional do Araripe-Apodi) with adjacent in low elevation areas close to the Cerrado in the state of Piauí (Ribeiro et al. 2009; Delfim 2012; Ribeiro et al. 2012). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Araneae, Formidae, Coleoptera and Pseudoescorpiones the most representative items (Cavalcanti et al. unpublished data). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Stenocercus (Rodrigues et al. 1989; Torres-Carvajal 2007).

Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Pernambuco, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along five ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to medium elevation areas (83–598 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 22 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 566 and 1,398 mm.

Arboreal and diurnal. It is considered a forest-dwelling heliophilic lizard, in the Caatinga it is found in isolated enclaves of semi-arid tropical forest, under tree trunks at different levels of the forest (Borges-Nojosa and Caramaschi 2003; Rodrigues et al. 2013). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Formicidae the most representative item, but also Coleoptera and Hemiptera (Rodrigues et al. 1989). Oviparous, the female usually lays 1–3 eggs at a time (Rodrigues et al. 1989; Torres-Carvajal 2007).

Cocorobó, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Pernambuco, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along four ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (30–1,116 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 19 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 447 and 1,452 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It is a psammophilic species occurring in sandy soils, with relictual distribution in semi-arid environments along the Caatinga (Rodrigues 1987, 2003). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Formicidae, Orthoptera, and Araneae the most representative items (Costa 2015), having the first report of saurophagy in the species, where a microendemic and threatened gymnophthalmid lizard (S. catimbau) was the prey (Oliveira and Nunes 2020). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Tropidurus (Vitt 1991; Ávila et al. 2008).

Morro do Chapéu, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (399–1,154 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 19 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 586 and 810 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It occurs in campos rupestres, with a record in Santo Inácio (Rodrigues 1987; Carvalho 2013). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Tropidurus (Vitt 1991; Ávila et al. 2008).

Mina Claveros, province of Cordoba, Argentina.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (475–973 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 24°C, and average annual rainfall between 708 and 935 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It occups a general dry habitat including tree trunks and sandy soils (Cruz et al. 1998; Vitt 1991). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Formicidae, Araneae and also plant material the most representative items. Oviparous, the female usually lays 2–7 eggs at a time (Vitt 1991; Ávila et al. 2008).

Toca de Cima dos Pilões, municipality of São Raimundo Nonato, state of Piauí, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Piauí. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to medium elevation areas (259–387 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 26 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 702 and 849 mm.

Figure 12. 

Lizards recorded in the Caatinga region. 12.1 Tropidurus helenae; 12.2 Tropidurus hispidus; 12.3 Tropidurus jaguaribanus; 12.4 Tropidurus montanus; 12.5 Tropidurus mucujensis; 12.6 Tropidurus oreadicus; 12.7 Tropidurus pinima and 12.8 Tropidurus semitaeniatus. Photograph credits: Daniel Mesquita (12.1, 12.6, 12.8), Adrian Garda (12.2), Daniel Passos (12.3, 12.4, 12.7), Marco A. Freitas (12.5).

Terrestrial and diurnal. It is a saxico­lous species specializing in rocky areas with crevices (Passos et al. 2011a; Pelegrin et al. 2017). It is found in limestone and sandstone formations and is occasionally found on the ground or in tree trunks (Manzani and Abe 1990). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, Araneae, and Coleoptera the most representative items (Pelegrin et al. 2017). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Tropidurus (Vitt 1991; Ávila et al. 2008).

Bahia, restricted by Vanzolini (1981) to Salvador, state of Bahia, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (5–1,450 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 18 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 374 and 1,580 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It inhabits usually open-areas, and shows great spatial niche plasticity using a wide variety of substrates, being found on rocky surfaces, forest edges, trunks of trees, sandy soils, fences and walls of human constructions, among others (Vitt 1983; Rocha and Bergallo 1990; Vitt et al. 1997c; Van Sluys et al. 2004; Rodrigues 1987; Carvalho et al. 2005). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Orthoptera, Formicidae and also plant material the most representative items (Vitt 1995; Van Sluys et al. 2004; Pelegrin et al. 2017), but also with a record of cannibalism (Sales et al. 2011) and other vertebrates (Guedes et al. 2017). Oviparous, the female usually lays 6–13 eggs at a time (Ribeiro et al. 2008a, 2008b; Ribeiro and Freire 2011).

São João do Jaguaribe, state of Ceará, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the states of Ceará and Piauí. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along three ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to medium elevation areas (51–582 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 25 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 630 and 822 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It inhabits regions with fractured granitic rocky outcrops, surrounded by hypoxerophytic caatinga in the state of Ceará (Passos et al. 2011a). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Coleoptera and Formicidae the most representative items (Alcantara et al. 2018). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Passos et al. 2013c).

Serra do Cipó, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais. It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (591–1,450 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 18 to 25°C, and average annual rainfall between 638 and 1,060 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. Occurring in desert regions and xeric thickets, with rocky outcrops, sandy soils in grassy fields, in shrubs and walls (Rodrigues 1987; Van Sluys et al. 2004; Carvalho 2013). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Formicidae, Coleoptera and Isoptera the most representative items (Van Sluys et al. 2004). Oviparous, the female usually lays 1–6 eggs at a time (Van Sluys et al. 2002).

Mucugê, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in high elevation areas (926–1,683 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 17 to 21°C, and average annual rainfall between 759 and 1,118 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It inhabits rupestrian grassland habitat above 900 meters of elevation (Rodrigues 1987; Carvalho 2013). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Tropidurus (Rodrigues 1987; Martelotte et al. 2010).

Buritis, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

In the Caatinga it is registered in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, and Piauí. It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along five ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (222–926 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 27°C, and average annual rainfall between 700 and 1,050 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. Occurring in rocky open areas, shelters on the grounds and termite nests (Colli et al. 1992). It uses crevices for refuge in rocks, reducing the risk of predation and overheating (Faria and Araujo 2004). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Formicidae and Isoptera the most representative items (Faria and Araujo 2004). Oviparous, the female usually lays 2–6 eggs at a time (Faria and Araujo 2004).

Santo Inácio, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded in the the states of Bahia and Pernambuco. It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (404–1,154 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 20 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 528 and 842 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It is a saxicolous lizard that occurs along open areas in the Caatinga (Rodrigues 1996b). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Hymenoptera and also Plant material the most representative items (Xavier and Dias 2017). Oviparous, the female usually lays two eggs at a time (Xavier and Dias 2017).

Arraial do Paulista, municipality of Xique-Xique, state of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (400–652 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 24 to 26°C, and average annual rainfall between 674 and 964 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. Found mainly in dunes on the left bank of the São Francisco River, which are characterized by sparse vegetation, with a space of bare sand between the vegetation clumps (Rodrigues et al. 1988). The species prefers shaded and protected sites (Rocha and Rodrigues 2005), it can be seen in bare sand or moving through bushes and, when chased, hides in small holes at the base of clumps of vegetation (Rodrigues et al. 1988). Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Formicidae, insect larvae and also plant material the most representative item (Lima and Rocha 2006). Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Tropidurus (Rodrigues 1987; Faria and Araujo 2004).

“… in campis montosis Sincura provinciae Bahiae”.

Caatinga endemic species. It is registered in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe. It is widespread in the Caatinga and with annual mean temperature 20 to 28°C along all ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in low to high elevation areas (38–1,683 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 17 to 28°C, and average annual rainfall between 429 and 1,417 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It has a saxicolous habit and it is distributed in the rocky habitats in open areas of the Caatinga. Diet based mainly on arthropods, being Isoptera, Formicidae, Hemiptera, insect larvae, and plant material the most representative items (Vanzolini et al. 1980; Ribeiro and Freire 2011; Gomes et al. 2015), acting in pollination and seed dispersal (Gomes et al. 2014; Ribeiro et al. 2008a). Oviparous, the female usually lays 1–3 eggs at a time (Vitt 1992; Ribeiro et al. 2012).

Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Fazenda Pé da Serra, Serra do Arame, municipality of Ibotirama, State of Bahia, Brazil.

Caatinga endemic species. It is recorded only in the state of Bahia. It shows restricted distribution in the Caatinga and occur along two ecoregions (Table 1; Appendix S3). Distributed in medium to high elevation areas (480–856 m a.s.l.), with annual mean temperature 21 to 25°C, and average annual rainfall between 819 and 865 mm.

Terrestrial and diurnal. It has being observed among rocks on sandy trails covered by dry forests and caatinga vegetation (Carvalho et al. 2016). Diet based mainly on arthropods, no information about the preferred items on the diet of this species is known. Oviparous, no detailed data is known about the number of eggs laid by the species, but it could be similar to other Tropidurus (Rodrigues 1987).

Figure 13. 

Map showing the geographic distribution records and extent of occurrence of the lizards in the Caatinga region: Norops brasiliensis, Norops fuscoauratus, Diploglossus lessonae, Ophiodes striatus, Ophiodes sp. 2, Hemidactylus agrius, Hemidactylus brasilianus, Hemidactylus mabouia, Lygodactylus klugei, Lygodactylus sp. 1, Lygodactylus sp. 2. Red circles represent data occurrence data produced in this study; Black circles represent data from literature. Ecorregions: 1: Brejos; 2: Complexo da Chapada Diamantina; 3: Complexo Ibiapaba – Araripe; 4: Depressão Sertaneja Meridional; 5: Depressão Sertaneja Setentrional; 6: Dunas do São Francisco; 7: Planalto da Borborema; 8: Raso Catarina and 9: São Francisco/Gurguéia.

Figure 14. 

Map showing the geographic distribution records and extent of occurrence of the lizards in the Caatinga region: Acratosaura mentalis, Acratosaura spinosa, Anotosaura collaris, Anotosaura vanzolinia, Calyptommatus confusionibus, Calyptommatus leiolepis, Calyptommatus frontalis, Calyptommatus nicterus, Calyptommatus sinebrachiatus, Calyptommatus sp. 1, Calyptommatus sp. 2, Cercosaura olivacea. Red circles represent data occurrence data produced in this study; Black circles represent data from literature. Ecorregions: 1: Brejos; 2: Complexo da Chapada Diamantina; 3: Complexo Ibiapaba – Araripe; 4: Depressão Sertaneja Meridional; 5: Depressão Sertaneja Setentrional; 6: Dunas do São Francisco; 7: Planalto da Borborema; 8: Raso Catarina and 9: São Francisco/Gurguéia.

Figure 15. 

Map showing the geographic distribution records and extent of occurrence of the lizards in the Caatinga region: Colobosaura modesta, Colobosauroides carvalhoi, Colobosauroides cearensis, Dryadosaura nordestina, Heterodactylus septentrionalis, Leposoma baturitensis, Leposoma scincoides, Micrablepharus maximiliani, Nothobachia ablephara, Placosoma limaverdorum, Procellosaurinus erythrocercus, Procellosaurinus tetradactylus. Red circles represent data occurrence data produced in this study; Black circles represent data from literature. Ecorregions: 1: Brejos; 2: Complexo da Chapada Diamantina; 3: Complexo Ibiapaba – Araripe; 4: Depressão Sertaneja Meridional; 5: Depressão Sertaneja Setentrional; 6: Dunas do São Francisco; 7: Planalto da Borborema; 8: Raso Catarina and 9: São Francisco/Gurguéia.

Figure 16. 

Map showing the geographic distribution records and extent of occurrence of the lizards in the Caatinga region: Psilops mucugensis, Psilops paeminosus, Scriptosaura catimbau, Stenolepis ridleyi, Vanzosaura multiscutata, Hoplocercus spinosus, Iguana iguana, Enyalius bibronii, Enyalius bilineatus, Enyalius catenatus, Enyalius erythroceneus, Enyalius pictus. Red circles represent data occurrence data produced in this study; Black circles represent data from literature. Ecorregions: 1: Brejos; 2: Complexo da Chapada Diamantina; 3: Complexo Ibiapaba – Araripe; 4: Depressão Sertaneja Meridional; 5: Depressão Sertaneja Setentrional; 6: Dunas do São Francisco; 7: Planalto da Borborema; 8: Raso Catarina and 9: São Francisco/Gurguéia.

Figure 17. 

Map showing the geographic distribution records and extent of occurrence of the lizards in the Caatinga region: Gymnodactylus geckoides, Gymnodactylus vanzolinii, Phyllopezus diamantino, Phyllopezus periosus, Phyllopezus pollicaris, Phyllopezus selmae, Polychrus acutirostris, Polychrus marmoratus, Aspronema aff. dorsivittatum, Brasiliscincus heathi, Copeoglossum arajara, Copeoglossum nigropunctatum. Red circles represent data occurrence data produced in this study; Black circles represent data from literature. Ecorregions: 1: Brejos; 2: Complexo da Chapada Diamantina; 3: Complexo Ibiapaba – Araripe; 4: Depressão Sertaneja Meridional; 5: Depressão Sertaneja Setentrional; 6: Dunas do São Francisco; 7: Planalto da Borborema; 8: Raso Catarina and 9: São Francisco/Gurguéia.

Figure 18. 

Map showing the geographic distribution records and extent of occurrence of the lizards in the Caatinga region: Notomabuya frenata, Psychosaura agmosticha, Psychosaura macrorhyncha, Coleodactylus meridionalis, Gonatodes humeralis, Ameiva ameiva, Ameivula confusioniba, Ameivula nigrigula, Ameivula ocellifera, Ameivula pyrrhogularis, Glaucomastix cyanura, Glaucomastix venetacauda. Red circles represent data occurrence data produced in this study; Black circles represent data from literature. Ecorregions: 1: Brejos; 2: Complexo da Chapada Diamantina; 3: Complexo Ibiapaba – Araripe; 4: Depressão Sertaneja Meridional; 5: Depressão Sertaneja Setentrional; 6: Dunas do São Francisco; 7: Planalto da Borborema; 8: Raso Catarina and 9: São Francisco/Gurguéia.

Figure 19. 

Map showing the geographic distribution records and extent of occurrence of the lizards in the Caatinga region: Kentropyx calcarata, Salvator merianae, Tupinambis teguixin, Eurolophosaurus amathites, Eurolophosaurus divaricatus, Eurolophosaurus aff. divaricatus, Eurolophosaurus sp., Stenocercus squarrosus, Strobilurus torquatus, Tropidurus cocorobensis, Tropidurus erythrocephalus, Tropidurus etheridgei. Red circles represent data occurrence data produced in this study; Black circles represent data from literature. Ecorregions: 1: Brejos; 2: Complexo da Chapada Diamantina; 3: Complexo Ibiapaba – Araripe; 4: Depressão Sertaneja Meridional; 5: Depressão Sertaneja Setentrional; 6: Dunas do São Francisco; 7: Planalto da Borborema; 8: Raso Catarina and 9: São Francisco/Gurguéia.

Figure 20. 

Map showing the geographic distribution records and extent of occurrence of the lizards in the Caatinga region: Tropidurus helenae, Tropidurus hispidus, Tropidurus jaguaribanus, Tropidurus montanus, Tropidurus mucujensis, Tropidurus oreadicus, Tropidurus pinima, Tropidurus psammonastes, Tropidurus semitaeniatus, Tropidurus sertanejo. Red circles represent data occurrence data produced in this study; Black circles represent data from literature. Ecorregions: 1: Brejos; 2: Complexo da Chapada Diamantina; 3: Complexo Ibiapaba – Araripe; 4: Depressão Sertaneja Meridional; 5: Depressão Sertaneja Setentrional; 6: Dunas do São Francisco; 7: Planalto da Borborema; 8: Raso Catarina and 9: São Francisco/Gurguéia.