Sceloporus malachiticus
—
Green Spiny Lizard
Also known as:
Emerald Swift
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Adults of this species vary from brownish to bright green. This is a tiny baby, with some green highlights on an otherwise fairly drab dark body. I saw several large bright green adults on trees as we drove by, but this little fellow is the only one I had a chance to photograph.
The green spiny lizard is the southernmost representative of its large genus, widespread throughout the U.S., Mexico, and northern Central America.
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Now that's what I'm talking about. This is no slightly-green li'l baby lizard.
Printed references:
- Beletsky, L. 1998. Costa Rica: The Ecotraveller's Wildlife Guide
- Hayes, M. P., Pounds, J. A., Timmerman, W. W. 1989. An Annotated List and Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Leenders, T. 2001. A Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Costa Rica
- Obst, F. J., Richter, K., Jacob, U. 1988. The Completely Illustrated Atlas of Reptiles and Amphibians for the Terrarium
- Savage, J. M. 2002. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Costa Rica
- Savage, J. M., Villa R., J. 1986. Introduction to the Herpetofauna of Costa Rica