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Phrynocephalus przewalskii

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Phrynocephalus przewalskii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Phrynocephalus
Species:
P. przewalskii
Binomial name
Phrynocephalus przewalskii
Strauch, 1876

Przewalski's toadhead agama (Phrynocephalus przewalskii), also known as Tsarewsky's toadhead agama, or Steindachner's toadhead agama, is a species of agamid lizard found in China and Mongolia. This species was named after Nikolay Przhevalsky, a Russian Imperial geographer and explorer of Central and East Asia.[2]

Description

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P. przewalkskii is one of the 44 recognized species within the genus Phrynocephalus. Adults may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 61 mm (2.4 in) and weigh 7.2g on average.[3] It sports a sand or gray colored body with a white underside. Sparse black specks or small spots are present on their head and body. Some individuals have denser spotting on the tops of their heads as well as a black stripe down the middle of their back. This pattern is more pronounced in adult males of the species.[2]

Distribution and habitat

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It is most common in desert habitats of northwestern China, but specimens have also been spotted in Mongolia. It appears to prefer habitats with low moisture and high vegetation cover.

Behavior

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Przewalski's toadhead agamas are diurnal. They are insectivores and females lay 1–7 eggs per clutch.

References

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  1. ^ Bi, J.; Wang, Y. (2019). "Phrynocephalus przewalskii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T170413A48702067. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T170413A48702067.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Phrynocephalus przewalskii". The Reptile Database. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 2021-11-27.
  3. ^ Rodda, Gordon H. (2020). Lizards of the World: Natural History and Taxon Accounts. JHU Press. p. 549. ISBN 9781421438238.