Sceloporus malachiticus
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| Sceloporus malachiticus Cope, 1864 |
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Sceloporus irazuensis |
The Emerald Swift or Green Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus malachiticus) is a species of small lizard in the Phrynosomatidae family, native to Central America.
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[edit] Description
Emerald swifts are distinctly bright green in color, with males typically being more striking than females, having bright blue patches on either side of their belly. They grow from 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length. Like other species in the genus Sceloporus, their scales tend to be fairly stiff and heavily keeled, giving them a spiny texture.
[edit] Behavior
Emerald swifts are diurnal, arboreal lizards. In the early morning they forage for insects, and then spend much of the day basking in the sun. They will retreat to a burrow, or under a rock or log if the temperature becomes too high or to sleep. Their life span is believed to be between 3 and 5 years. Unlike most iguanid lizards, emerald swifts are ovoviviparous, giving birth to 6-15 young yearly.
[edit] Geographic distribution
The Emerald Swift is found from Mexico's Yucatan region, to Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.
[edit] Taxonomy
The species was, for a time, considered to be a subspecies of the Mexican Emerald Spiny Lizard, Sceloporus formosus, but more modern research has returned to full species status, though some sources still refer to it as a subspecies.
[edit] In captivity
Emerald swifts are frequently found in the exotic pet trade. Their striking coloration and ease of care make them popular captives. They feed readily on commercially available crickets and can be maintained in a relatively small vivarium, though they do require adequate UV lighting.
