High mountain lizard
A species of Mountain lizards Scientific name : Phymaturus palluma Genus : Mountain lizards
High mountain lizard, A species of Mountain lizards
Scientific name: Phymaturus palluma
Genus: Mountain lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Dick Culbert , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
High mountain lizard is a viviparous lizard primarily observed in the Andes. It exhibits remarkable environmental adaptations, such as high-altitude survivability and use of cryptic postures as camouflage. Its ecological importance lies in controlling insect populations, their primary food source, thereby maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
High mountain lizard exhibits an herbivorous feeding behavior, primarily nourishing on lichens, a major food source. Supplemental to lichens are a variety of plants, including herbs and shrubs.
Appearance
The high mountain lizard is a robust and compact lizard, covered with rough, tough scales. Its body exhibits a stunning blend of green and yellow hues, with unique speckled patterns similar to abstract art. It possesses a long, tapering tail and a noteworthy distinctive attribute is the lack of size and color variation between genders. A remarkable feature is its triangular-shaped head, broad and flat, adorned with many spiky scales, imitating a miniature crown.
Behavior
High mountain lizard is a primarily terrestrial species marked by a passive, sit-and-wait feeding strategy. It exhibits a solitary behavior, each individual staking out a fixed territory. Sun-basking during the day to regulate body temperature is common, while it hides among rocks at higher altitude during colder months. Mating displays distinct courtship rituals including intricate visual signals.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Liolaeminae Genus
Mountain lizards Species
High mountain lizard 
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