Sceloporus malachiticus

Taxobox
name = Emerald Swift

---

regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Sauropsida
ordo = Squamata
familia = Phrynosomatidae
genus = "Sceloporus"
species = ""'S. malachiticus"
binomial = "Sceloporus malachiticus"
binomial_authority = Cope, 1864
synonyms = "Sceloporus irazuensis"
"Sceloporus formosus malachiticus"

The Emerald Swift or Green Spiny Lizard ("Sceloporus malachiticus") is a species of small lizard in the Phrynosomatidae family, native to Central America.

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.

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.

Geographic distribution

The Emerald Swift is found from Mexico's Yucatan region, to Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

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.

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.

References

*EMBL species|genus=Sceloporus|species=malachiticus
* [http://herphavenreptilerescue.org/EmeraldSwift.html Herp Haven: Emerald Swift]
* [http://www.centralpets.com/animals/reptiles/lizards/lzd2734.html Central Pets: Emerald Swift]