Description: Size moderate (SVL in males to 33 mm, in females to 33 mm); dorsals keeled, weakly imbricate, slightly swollen, axilla to groin 38-50; ventrals fiat, smooth, cycloid, imbricate, axilla to groin 26-37; dorsal caudal scales slightly swollen, cycloid, fiat-lying to slightly raised, smooth or weakly keeled; midventral caudal scales enlarged, smooth, cycloid, imbricate; snout moderately pointed, snout scales broad, smooth, and juxtaposed; 2 postnasals; 0-3 intemasals; supralabials to mideye 3-4; gular scales small, oval, juxtaposed; scales around midbody 57-73. Sexual dichromatism absent; basic dorsal pattern a series of light, longitudinal stripes on a darker ground color (gray, tan, yellowish brown); dorsal pattern variations include ocellate (with cream to white ocelli arranged irregularly or linearly), dark brown to black vermiculations, or flecked with dark brown to black; venters range from unpigmented to heavily stippled with dark pigment, sometimes with a yellowish wash; underside of tail usually orange
Habitat: The preferred natural habitat of S. argus is forest, at altitudes from sea level to 330 feet. A climbing species, it can also be seen on walls and in buildings.
Range:S. argus is native only to Jamaica . It is also found in Cuba and on adjacent islets, in the Bahamas, and in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. S. argus can be found in the Florida Keys, where it has well-established populations, though it was not native there.
Diet:S. argus feeds on insects and other small invertebrates.
Reproduction:S. argus is oviparous.
Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.
Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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