Plica plica (Linnaeus, 1758)

Taxonomic Identification

Plica plica (Linnaeus, 1758) is a species of lizard.

Size

Males of this species can reach a snout-vent length (SVL) exceeding 17 cm (6.7 in), while females can exceed 15 cm (5.9 in).

Body and Neck Morphology

It has a flattened body shape, which is likely an adaptation for clinging to vertical tree trunks, and clusters of spines on its neck.

Base Body Coloration

Its base color is most often olive green or greenish, marked with dark brown mottling or bands.

Neck and Head Coloration

The chin is whitish, the throat is black, and a distinct black "collar" encircles its neck.

Camouflage Coloration

Its overall coloration is often described as "mint-chocolate-chip-colored," which allows it to blend into moss-covered tree bark.

South American Distribution

Plica plica is native to South America, where it occurs in Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador.

Caribbean Distribution

It is also found in the Caribbean on the island of Trinidad.

Non-native Historical Records

Historical specimens were collected from Grenada, but these individuals were almost certainly stray waifs not native to the area.

Habitat Preferences

Plica plica primarily inhabits primary and secondary forests, where it prefers to live on the largest trees within the forest.

Body Temperature Trait

This lizard has a low active body temperature of around 30.7 °C, a trait that may be linked to its habit of staying on trees in shady forest environments that offer few opportunities for basking.