Hosta

Caribicus warreni, commonly known as the Haitian giant galliwasp or the Hispaniolan giant galliwasp, is a species of lizard in the family Diploglossidae. The species is endemic to the island of Hispaniola.

Taxonomy

It was formerly classified in the genus Celestus, but was moved to Caribicus in 2021.^[3]

Etymology

The specific name, warreni, is in honor of Mr. C. Rhea Warren who collected herpetological specimens on Île de la Tortue.^[4]

Geographic range

C. warreni is found in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti.^[1]

Description

True to its common name, C. warreni is a large anguid, weighing in at 68 grams (2.4 ounces).

Habitat

The natural habitat of C. warreni are Hispaniolan moist forests underneath leaf litter and forest debris.^[1]

Diet

The giant Hispaniolan galliwasp is an opportunistic predator that feed on insects, earthworms, small mammals, and other reptiles.^{[citation needed]}

Conservation status

C. warreni is threatened by habitat loss, predation by invasive species (such as the small Indian mongoose), and collection for the illegal pet trade. Persecution is also an issue; the galliwasp is erroneously believed to be venomous by locals, and is often killed on sight across the island.^[1]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Landestoy, M.; Inchaustegui, S.; Powell, R. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Celestus warreni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T39260A115172613. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T39260A71739879.en. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
^ Species Celestus warreni at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
^ "Caribicus anelpistus". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. ("Warren's Galliwasp Diploglossus warreni ", pp. 279-280).