These lizards are in the same genus as a familiar species to us on the East Coast, the Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus).
When I first saw the female, I was incredibly excited, as it was the first species of lizard that I had seen since I had arrived in Costa Rica. I wanted to take her picture with my professional camera equipment, so I vowed to come back on the weekend and take pictures. Then, I saw the male further down on another rock wall. I was blown away by his color. He was sitting in direct sunlight and his color was vivid and bright. I don’t think that I have ever seen a lizard as emerald green as this in person. This was truly an amazing experience!
These lizards primarily live in the forests of Costa Rica where they can be found on logs, downed trees, the sides of trees, burrows in the ground and on rock outcrops. They have also adapted to human habitation and can be found in gardens and on rock walls, usually basking in the sun. They can be found throughout southern Mexico and much of Central America.
Now, you’re probably wondering why I mentioned this species of lizard has some adaptations to living in high-altitude environments like here in Monteverde. Well, they have two adaptations that make them special. First, both males and females can change the color of their scales to better absorb heat from the sun and their environment. So, when the temperature is cooler and the sun is obscured by clouds, they will turn darker in color and flatten their bodies out like a lizard pancake (to create more surface space to absorb more heat).
