New snake, now a new lizard for Tobago

Tobago appears to have an amazing array of unique animals, when compared to Trinidad. Both islands have species unique to each island. Yet, it appears Tobago has more unique wildlife. The herpetofauna are no exception.

Newly described lizard to Tobago: Bachia whitei. Photo by John C. Murphy

In January 2019, a paper came out describing a new snake species for Tobago.

Now, Tobago also has a new lizard species.

Lizards in the genus Bachia at first glance look like worms or small snakes from afar. However, upon closer inspection, the small limbs can be seen.

Most people probably have never seen a Bachia lizard. This may be due to them mainly living under leaf litter or in the surface of soil. They feed on small invertebrates in the soil, such as termites.

Trinidad and Tobago have at least two species of Bachia. One is astutely named Bachia trinitatis which is found in Trinidad and Tobago. However, Tobago has the second species: Bachia whitei (currently considered an island endemic - found no where else in the world!)

Bachia whitei was named in honour of Graham White - current chairman of the Asa Wright Nature Centre's board, and Editor in chief of the Living World Journal of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club.

Perhaps the easiest way to distinguish between the two species is the shape of the scales on the body. Bachia trinitatis has hex scale patterns, whereas Bachia whitei has square scaled patterns.

To learn more about these lizards, check out the "Field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Trinidad and Tobago" which can be bought online if living outside of the country (info here). For those living in Trinidad and Tobago, contact the TTFNC on where you can get a copy.