About Callopistes maculatus Gravenhorst, 1838
This species, scientifically named Callopistes maculatus Gravenhorst, 1838, is the largest lizard found in Chile, growing up to 50 centimeters, or 20 inches, in total length. Ecologically, it most commonly occurs in rocky, sandy scrubland habitats. It can be found in regions including the Atacama Desert, and lives at elevations below 500 meters. In 2015, researchers found that this species hosts a previously unknown genus and species of parasitic mite: Callopistiella atacamensis. This new mite genus was named after the host lizard genus Callopistes.
