Classification: Introduced Species. It has been introduced to Florida in the United States where it is considered an invasive species.

Description: Aspidoscelis motaguae has a distinctive appearance compared to other known lizards, as it resembles a “miniature monitor lizard” when observed alongside other members of the Teiidae family (although these two reptiles are not from the same family; this is merely an analogy). This is due to some aspects of its appearance that make it similar, such as the shape of its head, the arrangement of its limbs, and the size of its tail. Aspidoscelis motaguae features a large, triangular head covered with large, shield-like scales, which are crucial for identifying species within the genus or family. It is known that males are bigger and show more spots with vibrant colors compared to females.

In Aspidoscelis motaguae, you can clearly observe four supraocular scales along with two plate-like parietal scales. Its unique appearance doesn’t stop there, as it possesses well-developed limbs with fine claws that help it move among leaf litter and logs more effectively. Additionally, it has a long, whip-like tail that tapers off toward the tip. Its neck is robust and continues this robust appearance through its back, which is also sturdy and thick. However, the most striking feature of this lizard is its vivid colors on its back and tail, expressed in the form of spots and patches ranging from yellow to blue and green in adults, while juveniles tend to have uniformly brown coloration across their bodies.

Habitat: This lizard inhabits tropical deciduous forest and low elevation humid forests. It also tolerates disturbed habitats and can be seen near houses in dry areas.

Range: Introduced into Miami, USA. This species has a discontinuous distribution in seasonally dry tropical forest environments from central Oaxaca (southern Mexico), through the middle Grijalva Valley in the central depression of Chiapas (southern Mexico), to Guatemala (the Salama Basin, upper Motagua Valley and the southeast of the country), central Honduras, and southwestern El Salvador. Its elevational range is from 175 to 1,200 meters

Found in these States: FL

Diet: These lizards mainly feed on insects and arthropods and are active hunters.

Reproduction: These lizards are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs for reproduction. It has been observed that the genus can produce 2 to 6 clutches per year with 1 to 5 eggs each, which are buried in the sand for incubation.

Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its relatively wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Taxonomy: