Diploderma brevipes (Gressitt, 1936)

Common Name and Endemic Status

Diploderma brevipes, commonly called the short-legged japalure, is a species of lizard endemic to Taiwan.

Elevation Range and Habitat

It occurs in mountains between 1100 and 2200 m in elevation, and lives in forest edge habitats.

Body Size

Its body measures 10 cm long, and its maximum total body length reaches 25 cm.

Sexual Dimorphism and Coloration

This species is sexually dimorphic: males have black backs marked with yellow-green spots and stripes, while females are primarily green in color.

Activity Period, Reproduction, and Diet

It is a diurnal, oviparous species that feeds on insects and other small invertebrates.

Taxonomic History

The species was first described by J. Linsley Gressitt in 1936.

Conservation Status

Under the Taiwan Wildlife Conservation Act, it is classified as other conservation-deserving wildlife.

Related Species

It is closely related to Diploderma swinhonis.