Leiocephalus apertosulcus
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| Leiocephalus apertosulcus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Leiocephalidae |
| Genus: | Leiocephalus |
| Species: | †L. apertosulcus |
| Binomial name | |
| †Leiocephalus apertosulcus Etheridge, 1965 | |
Leiocephalus apertosulcus, also known as the Banica giant curlytail lizard is an extinct species of curly-tailed lizard from Hispaniola.[1][2] This species stands out within the genus Leiocephalus for its unique skeletal characteristics and large size.[3]
Etymology
The species was described by Richard Emmett Etheridge in 1965.[1] The holotype specimen MCZ(VP) 3404 consists of a right dentary found in Stratum 2 of the cave.[4] Phylogenetically, L. apertosulcus along with L. cuneus and L. anonymous, are thought to form a sister group with L. greenwayi.[3]
Derived from Latin: "apertus" meaning "open" and "sulcus" meaning "groove", referring to its distinctive completely open Meckel's groove on the dentary.[1]
Morphology
Leiocephalus apertosulcus was remarkably large, with an estimated snout-vent length of 150–200 mm. This size surpassed all living Leiocephalus species—even L. carinatus, which reaches only 130 mm. It also dwarfed its largest Hispaniolan relative, L. melanochlorus (108 mm).[3]
Along with L. anonymous, it was one of only two Leiocephalus species that possessed an open Meckel's groove, making it an important specimen for understanding the evolution of this genus in the Caribbean region.[3]