Pholidobolus marianus is a species of lizard belonging to the family Gymnophthalmidae. This family is colloquially known as "spectacled lizards" due to the transparent scales covering their eyes. The species is endemic to the Andean regions of Colombia.
Taxonomy
The species was formally described in 1921 by the American herpetologist Alexander G. Ruthven. It was originally placed in the genus Pantodactylus as Pantodactylus marianus. Throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries, the species underwent several taxonomic reclassifications, being moved to the genera Prionodactylus and Cercosaura before being assigned to its current genus, Pholidobolus, following phylogenetic revisions of the subfamily Cercosaurinae.
Distribution and Habitat
Pholidobolus marianus is restricted to the high-altitude environments of Colombia, specifically within the Cordillera Central and Cordillera Oriental. It has been recorded in departments such as Antioquia, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Huila, Santander, and Tolima.
The species is typically found at elevations ranging from approximately 2,000 to 3,300 meters above sea level. Its natural habitats include montane forests, sub-paramo, and paramo ecosystems. It is often found in microhabitats such as leaf litter, under rocks, or within fallen logs in both primary forests and disturbed open areas like pastures.
Morphology
As a member of the Gymnophthalmidae family, Pholidobolus marianus is characterized by its small size and elongated body. It possesses well-developed limbs, each with five digits. Like other species in the genus Pholidobolus, it features distinctive lepidosis (scaling patterns), which researchers use to differentiate it from closely related Andean microteiids. These lizards typically exhibit cryptic coloration, often in shades of brown or grey, which provides camouflage against the soil and forest floor.
Ecology and Behavior
The species is diurnal and primarily terrestrial. It is heliothermic, meaning it relies on direct sunlight or warm surfaces to regulate its body temperature. Its diet consists of small invertebrates, including insects and arachnids found within the ground cover. Like many other gymnophthalmids, it is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Pholidobolus marianus has been categorized as a species of Least Concern. This assessment is based on its relatively wide distribution within the Colombian Andes and its ability to persist in moderately altered habitats. However, localized populations may face threats from habitat loss due to agriculture and deforestation.
