Liolaemus kingii

Liolaemus kingii, commonly known as the King's tree iguana, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Liolaemidae. Native to Argentina and Chile, this lizard inhabits shrubland, sandbanks, coastal hills, and other environments at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 1,340 meters (4,400 feet). The specific name "kingii" is a tribute to Philip Parker King, an Australian marine surveyor.

L. kingii primarily feeds on insects but also consumes plant material, making its diet omnivorous. In terms of reproduction, the species exhibits both viviparous and ovoviviparous modes, meaning it gives birth to live young. Taxonomically, L. kingii is part of a group of 13 closely related species within its genus.

The species has been documented in various scientific publications, including works by Bell (1843), Boulenger (1885), and Donoso-Barros (1966). More recent studies, such as those by Sánchez et al. (2021), have further explored the species' phylogenetic relationships and limits within its group.