What is "xantusia"

Xantusia is one of three genera of night lizards ( family Xantusiidae). Species of Xantusia are small to medium-sized, viviparous (live-bearing) lizards found in the U.S. Southwest and in northern Mexico.

The name and description of the type species and genus were published in 1859, by Spencer Fullerton Baird, the name commemorating the naturalist John Xantus.