Polychrus acutirostris Spix, 1825

Taxonomy and Basic Traits

Polychrus acutirostris Spix, 1825 is an oviparous, arboreal, diurnal lizard species that occupies a large portion of South America, and can be found in savanna formations of the Andes from southern Pará to northern Argentina.

Common Name and Movement

It is commonly called the "sloth lizard" for its slow movement, which is especially slow compared to the agile locomotion of most other reptiles.

Camouflage Behavior

It tends to stay motionless for most of the day to camouflage itself. Its slow mobility makes it easy prey.

Color Change Ability

The species can change color: it uses color change for camouflage, and its color becomes brighter during the mating season.

Breeding Coloration

To attract mates, breeding males develop a reddish color on their heads.

Primary Defense Mechanism

Along with its subtle color-changing ability, staying still to blend into the environment is its main defense.

Camouflage Efficacy

This camouflage ability also makes the species difficult to find, as it blends easily with its surroundings.

Chameleon Trait Similarities

It shares multiple traits with true chameleons, including independently moving eyes and the ability to change color, but it does not belong to the same family as chameleons.

Taxonomic Relationship to Chameleons

It does share a close enough relationship to be grouped with chameleons in the suborder Sauria.

Diet and Feeding

Its diet is primarily made up of insects, and its slow movement impacts how it feeds.

Temperament

It has a calm temperament and is not dangerous to humans.

Territoriality

Males of the species are territorial.

Reproduction

Reproduction occurs annually, and females typically lay between 7 and 31 eggs per clutch.

Conservation Threats

The species is currently threatened by habitat loss, its slow movement and status as easy prey may also put it at risk of extinction.