About Sceloporus malachiticus Cope, 1864
Species Identification
Emerald swifts (Sceloporus malachiticus Cope, 1864) are distinctly bright green lizards.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are typically more vividly colored than females, and have bright blue patches on both sides of the belly.
Adult Size
Adults reach a total length of 6 to 8 inches, or 15 to 20 centimeters.
Scale Characteristics
Like other species in the genus Sceloporus, their scales are fairly stiff, heavily keeled, and have a spiny texture.
Geographic Range
The emerald swift's geographic range extends from the Yucatan region of Mexico, through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, all the way to Panama.
