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
Sceloporus malachiticus
Green Spiny Lizard
Cope, 1864
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A robust lizard covered by strongly keeled, pointed scales that give it a spiny appearance. The coloration is spectacular, with shades of emerald green, turquoise, or brilliant blue predominating, often with darker transverse bands. It has a broad head and strong limbs adapted for climbing and running on rough surfaces.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
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).Phrynosomatidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Sceloporus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Cope, 1864
Record Completeness
94%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.
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Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
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
Inhabits mainly cloud forests and highland zones, from 1000 to 3000 meters above sea level. It prefers forest edges, clearings, living fences, and rocky areas where it can find sufficient direct sunlight to thermoregulate.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Primarily diurnal reptile. It spends much of its day on tree trunks, rocks, or buildings, patrolling and basking. It is a very active and territorial animal, capable of rhythmic push-up displays to communicate its presence. It is notably resistant to the cool highland temperatures, allowing it to remain active when other reptiles hide.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary and territorial animal. During the breeding season, encounters between individuals are more frequent and usually involve aggressive interactions between males competing for control of sunny areas and groups of females.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Generalist insectivore. Consumes a wide variety of arthropods, including beetles, flies, moths, spiders, and ants. Its hunting technique is active: it observes from an elevated point and pounces quickly on any prey it detects on the ground or on nearby vegetation.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Functions as a key predator of invertebrates in high-elevation ecosystems, keeping populations of flying and terrestrial insects under control. It is preyed upon by various mountain birds of prey, predatory snakes, and small mammals, acting as an intermediary in the food web between arthropods and higher-level predators.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparous species. The female retains the developing embryos inside her body until they are fully formed. Upon giving birth, the offspring are independent and must seek food and shelter immediately. This reproductive strategy allows for greater survival in cold climates.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
15.0 - 22.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
10 g - 25 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 5
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.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
3 - 4
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 6 Years
Females4 - 6 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Very evident. Males are larger, possess a more robust head, much more intense colored gular scales, and often greater general iridescence throughout the body.
Females Multi-lang
Females have a generally more slender build, with duller colors and a notable lack of the brilliant iridescence that characterizes males in their adult stage.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Viviparity (Live birth): Unlike most reptiles that lay eggs, this species gives birth to live young, a vital adaptation for embryonic development in cold and cloudy environments where the ground is often too cold for external incubation.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Cloud forest degradation: Deforestation fragments its habitat and alters the temperature and humidity regime, affecting the availability of its essential basking sites.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is an outstanding example of adaptation to high-elevation life. Its bright coloration is not only aesthetic but plays a key role in social communication and in the efficiency of solar radiation absorption under low-light conditions.