AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Polychrus gutturosus
Monkey Lizard
Berthold, 1846
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A uniquely shaped lizard with a laterally compressed body, long limbs, and fingers with hooked claws designed for climbing. Its coloration is highly variable, capable of changing from vibrant green tones to dark brown, allowing perfect integration with arboreal vegetation.
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Anonymous Curator
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Polychrotidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Polychrus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Berthold, 1846
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It inhabits predominantly the middle and high strata of humid jungles, tropical forests, and open wooded areas. It is strictly arboreal and rarely descends to the ground, unless absolutely necessary.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly diurnal species. It spends hours motionless waiting for prey to pass nearby, at which point it can launch an ambush with surprising agility. It is a solitary animal that prefers the high canopy.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Totally solitary and territorial. Males actively defend small areas of the canopy against other males, displaying their brightly colored gular dewlap during conflicts.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Ambush hunter. Uses its binocular vision to calculate distances precisely and then lunges quickly towards its prey. Its patience is its best hunting tool.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Secondary consumer / Omnivore. Although its main diet consists of insects, caterpillars, and spiders, it occasionally consumes small fruits and tender shoots, which gives it a dietary advantage in the jungle environment.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous species. The female seeks tree hollows or cracks in the bark to lay her eggs. Incubation is long and depends on the environmental humidity of the forest.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 45.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
100 g - 250 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.4 - 12
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 3 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
5 - 7
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 8 Years
Females5 - 8 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
The male has a much more developed gular dewlap, often brightly colored (yellow or orange), to attract the female and mark territory, characteristics that are much more discreet in the female.
Females Multi-lang
The female tends to be slightly smaller and lacks the vibrant gular coloration of the male, preferring tones that favor better camouflage for clutch protection during the reproductive cycle.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Prehensile Locomotion: It possesses a long and semi-prehensile tail that it uses as a fifth limb to balance and cling to thin branches while moving with extreme slowness to remain unnoticed.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Forest fragmentation: Since it depends entirely on the continuity of tree canopies, deforestation isolates populations and limits their ability to find mates and resources.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Oscillating Movement: When it feels threatened or while moving, the monkey lizard mimics the movement of leaves in the wind, oscillating its body from side to side. This kinetic behavior makes it virtually invisible to a predator.