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5 most colourful lizards that seem to be painted on a canvas

Lizards are often seen as camouflaged reptiles blending into rocky deserts or dense jungles, but some of them are unusual exceptions. Across the world, there are reptile species that break the mold with their outstanding colours and interesting behaviours. These vibrant lizards not only show nature’s hidden gems but also serve important ecological roles in their native environments.



Some among these reptiles are desert dwellers, rainforest sprinters, while some among them have bold patterns to confuse predators, and use their hues to attract mates or establish dominance.

Here are 5 colourful lizards found in the wild across the world

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Leopard Geckos

Leopard Geckos come from the dry, rocky regions of Asia and are easily recognized by their bold black spots on yellow or white skin. These nocturnal lizards are calm, sturdy, and popular pets due to their manageable size and variety of morphs. In the wild, their spotted appearance blends perfectly into the desert terrain, offering camouflage from predators. Their colourful patterns aren’t just beautiful, they’re an evolutionary advantage in the harsh, sun-baked landscape they call home.

Eastern collared lizard

The Eastern Collared Lizard is a characterised by a burst of bright blues, yellows, and greens that roam the arid regions of the US and Mexico. Males are especially vivid, using their colours to impress potential mates and warn rivals. What truly sets them apart is their bipedal sprinting, as these lizards can run on two legs when escaping danger. Their combination of speed and colour makes them one of the most eye-catching reptiles in North America’s deserts

Fiji banded iguana

Found only in the Fijian islands, the Fiji Banded Iguana is one of the world’s most beautiful reptiles. Males have bright green bodies with electric blue or light green stripes, while females are more muted. These tree-dwelling lizards are critically endangered due to habitat loss and invasive species, and their bright appearance helps them hide into tropical foliage

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Emerald swift

Native to the forests of Central America, Emerald Swifts are small lizards known for their vibrant emerald-green scales, often shimmering with hints of blue. Males are especially radiant and use their colour to attract mates and establish territory. These lizards are fast and flexible, darting through vegetation at lightning speed. Their dazzling colour and swift movement give them both flair and an edge in the wild.

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Green basilisk

The Green Basilisk, often nicknamed the “Jesus Christ Lizard,” is native to Central American rainforests and is famous for its ability to run across water. Its long toes and hydrophobic scales help it to create sufficient lift and speed for short bursts. Along with this superpower, its bright green body, blue markings, and flashy crest make it an unforgettable sight in the wild

Some lizards boast such stunning and intricate coloration that they appear to be walking works of art. Their vibrant hues and complex patterns rival the deliberate strokes of a painter’s brush. Here are five of the most colorful lizards that could easily be mistaken for a painted canvas.

1. Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis)
Native to Madagascar, the Panther Chameleon is renowned for its breathtaking and variable color displays.[1] Males, in particular, are a kaleidoscope of vibrant shades including turquoise, red, green, and orange, with the specific colors and patterns often indicating their geographical origin within the island.[2] These chameleons can change their colors in response to their mood, mating status, and environmental factors, making them a constantly shifting canvas of natural art.[1][2]

Panther chameleons reach sexual maturity at a minimum age of seven months.^[4]

When gravid, or carrying eggs, females turn dark brown or black with orange striping to signify to males they have no intention of mating. Furthermore, females will become very defensive and may bite any advancing males. The exact coloration and pattern of gravid females varies depending on the color phase of the chameleon. This provides a way to distinguish between locales.^[4]

Females usually only live two to three years after laying eggs (between five and eight clutches) because of the stress put on their bodies. Females can lay between 10 and 40 eggs per clutch, depending on the food and nutrient consumption during the period of development. Eggs typically hatch in 240 days.^[19]

In captivity

This species is highly sought after for the international pet trade due to its coloration, large size, and readiness to breed in captivity.^[20] Panther chameleons are occasionally kept as pets due to their striking coloration. While they are easier to care for than many other species of chameleon, panther chameleons are generally considered challenging to keep in captivity.^[21] Wild panther chameleons are a short lived species; few animals survive beyond a year of age in the wild.^[4][16] Captive animals may live longer than their wild counterparts; with good care females can live up to 3 years and males can live 5–7 years.^[21][22] It was found in a recent study that the amount of UVB available to the females in captivity affects their reproductive success. As such, the more UVB the higher her reproductive success.^[23]

2. Mwanza Flat-headed Rock Agama (Agama mwanzae)
Often nicknamed the “Spider-Man Agama,” the male of this species is a showstopper.[1] Found in East Africa, it boasts a brilliant red or violet head and upper body that starkly contrasts with its deep blue lower body and legs, a color scheme reminiscent of the famous superhero.[1][2][3] This striking and clearly demarcated coloration gives it a uniquely “painted” appearance. Females and non-breeding males of this species are typically a more subdued brown color.[1][3]

The Mwanza flat-headed rock agama (Agama mwanzae) or the Spider-Man agama, because of its coloration, is a lizard reptile in the family Agamidae, found in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya.^[2]

It lives in semideserts and can often be seen in the heat of the day basking on rocks or kopjes. The male’s head, neck, and shoulders are bright red or violet, while the body is dark blue. The female is mostly brown and is difficult to distinguish from female agamas of other species. This lizard is often confused with the red-headed rock agama (Agama agama).^[3] Males preferably have around five breeding partners and are highly territorial. Once a male has won over a female, the lizard performs exotic head bobs and head swinging to court her.^[4]

The species has become a fashionable pet due to the male’s coloration, which resembles the comic-book superhero Spider-Man.^[5]

3. Jeweled Lacerta (Timon lepidus)
Hailing from the Iberian Peninsula and parts of southwestern France, the Jeweled Lacerta, or Ocellated Lizard, is aptly named for its dazzling appearance.[1] Its body is a vibrant green, adorned with numerous small, blue spots, each of which is often surrounded by a black ring, resembling inlaid jewels.[1] This intricate pattern of bright, contrasting colors gives the lizard a mosaic-like quality, as if meticulously painted by an artist.

Animated Jewels from Europe
Jeweled lacertas are a medium to large lacertid, or European wall lizard also known as the
oscillated lizard, or oscillated lacerta. Their dorsal color ranges from bright green, to grayish,
brown, or greenish brown with numerous dark rosettes on the back and vibrant blue ocelli along
the sides in adult males. Black, or melanistic specimens are also occasionally seen. Jeweled
lacertas are a sexually dimorphic species, with females and juveniles typically being less vibrant
and colorful than adult males. These colorful and vibrant lizards have a wide distribution over
much of southwestern to southern Europe. More specifically, this species occurs throughout the
Iberian Peninsula from Spain through Portugal, and patchily distributed across southern France
and northwestern Italy.
Jeweled lacertas are a primarily terrestrial species, but may climb on occasion as well if provided
the opportunity. They can also dig and burrow well, and may also dig their own burrows or use
those made by other animals. Jeweled lacertas are a beautiful and attractive addition to nearly
anyone’s collection, and can make for excellent pets.
Taxonomy
Life: All living, physical, and animate entities
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum/Sub Phylum: Chordata/Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Infraorder: Scincomorpha
Suborder: Lacertilia
Family: Lacertidae
Genus: Timon
Species: Timon lepidus
*Taxonomy subject to change and revision.
Lifespan and Longevity
If provided the proper care, jeweled lacertas can attain longevity of 10 to 15 years or more.
Distribution and Habitat
The jeweled lacerta, or Oscillated lizard, is a medium sized, terrestrial lacertid lizard indigenous
to a wide distribution over much of southwestern to southern Europe. More specifically, this species occurs throughout the Siberian Peninsula from Spain through Portugal, and patchily
distributed across southern France and northwestern Italy. Within this range, jeweled lacertas
occupy primarily terrestrial to semi-arboreal environments, including Mediterranean shrubland,
to rocky areas, shorelines, gardens, agricultural areas, and even urban and suburban areas, where
they use burrows, rocks, logs, tree trunks, downed or low vegetation and other debris on or near
the ground to thermoregulate, forage, and seek refuge.
Origin/History
Timon lepidus (Daudin, 1802).
Unfortunately, there is insufficient information as to when exactly jeweled lacertas first entered
the agricultural hobby, although they may have been since at least the 1990’s or 2000’s if a
guess had to be undertaken.
Experience Level Required
Intermediate/Moderate.
Size
Jeweled lactose are fairly small to mid-sized lizards, typically ranging from about 15.0 to 24.0
inches in total snout-to-tail length, or roughly 2 to 2 ½ feet as adults. Snout to vent length ranges
from about 6.0 to 10.2 inches snout-to-vent length (SVL).
Housing and Enclosure
Enclosure System: Terrestrial to Semi-Arboreal. Housing must be sealed and escape proof.
Hatchling and juvenile jeweled lactose can be housed in a 10 to 15 gallon terrarium or
enclosure. Adult jeweled lactose are active lizards that require a minimum of a 40 gallon long
terrarium or enclosure. Jeweled lactose can be maintained on a substrate of play sand mixture,
orchid bark, or ground walnut shell substrates. Provide a small dish of clean water, and change
and clean it every several days, or sooner if fouled. Soaking them at least once weekly in
lukewarm water for 15 to 20 minutes can also help raise their hydration. Provide ample basking
and hiding opportunities by providing artificial foliage, driftwood, rocks, or logs. Jeweled
lactose can climb, but do not require a tall, or arboreal setup.
Temperature, Lighting, and Humidity
Jeweled lactose are frequent bakers, and thus a thermal gradient (or a warm side) in the
cage/enclosure with an appropriate sized under tank heating pad, ceramic, or radiant heat emitter
should be provided. Ideal temperatures for lactose range from 78 to 80 degrees F on the cool
side and around 90 to 95 degrees F on the warm, basking side. Providing the correct amounts of
UVA/UVB overhead incandescent and florescent lighting, and calcium-to-phosphorus ratios is
essential for ensuring the health and overall well-being of jeweled lactose in captivity. Without
UVA/UVB, or adequate amounts of it, they can be susceptible to the abnormal bone growth and
development known as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), and other health and development
maladies. Also be sure to spot clean the enclosure for urates, feces, or uneaten food at least twice
per week. Be sure to periodically replace the substrate, clean, and disinfect the enclosure and its
furnishings at minimum every 2 to 3 months. More specific lighting, heating, and humidity
product suggestions and recommendations that can best suit one’s needs, as well as those of
one’s animals can be given as well. Jeweled lactose should be maintained at moderate relative
humidity levels at, or within about 60 to 80%.
Feeding, Diet, and Nutrition
Primarily Insectivorous to Omnivorous; In the wild, jeweled lactose are primarily
insectivorous, and will eat insects and other invertebrates. They may also consume some fruit, vegetable, and plant matter, as well as smaller vertebrates on occasion. Jeweled lactose in
captivity can be given a variety of feeder insects and other invertebrates of appropriate size,
frequency, and proportion at least two to three times weekly. Feeder crickets, mealworms,
waxworms, roaches, and other feeder insects, as well as some greens, fruits, and vegetable
material such as dandelion greens and some commercially available omnivore and mixed fruit
and vegetable diets can also be provided. They can also occasionally be given small pre-killed
rodents of appropriate size, but sparingly. Providing calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation, as
well as nutritional gut loading any feeder insects in these lizard’s diets is essential for their health
and well-being. More specific dietary and supplementary product suggestions and
recommendations that can best suit one’s needs, as well as those of one’s animals can be given as
well.
Handling
Jeweled lactose can often, at least initially, be a shy and skittish species, but can become quite
docile and tolerant of handling once acclimated to their surroundings. Gentle and deliberate
handling should take place with lactose, as they can drop their tails when roughly handled or
restrained too tightly.
Also be sure to practice basic cleanliness and hygiene associated with proper husbandry after touching or handling any animals or animal enclosures to prevent the possibility of contracting salmonellosis or any other zoonotic pathogens

4. Broadly’s Flat Lizard (Platysaurus broadleyi)
This South African native is a true “rainbow lizard.”[4] Males exhibit a spectacular spectrum of colors, with a dark blue head, a vibrant orange to red forebody that transitions to a multi-colored midsection of yellow, green, and blue, and a dark tail. This vivid and multi-hued patterning makes them a standout in the reptile world and a prime example of a lizard that seems to be painted on a canvas.

Broadley’s Flat Lizard, scientifically known as Platysaurus broadleyi, is a species of lizard in the Cordylidae family, commonly called the Augrabies flat lizard. It is endemic to South Africa. These lizards are characterized by their flattened bodies, which allow them to squeeze into narrow rock crevices for refuge. They are known for their vibrant coloration, especially in males, which play a role in courtship displays. 

Key Characteristics:

• Flattened Body: Their flattened shape is an adaptation for living in rocky habitats and escaping predators by hiding in tight spaces.
• Coloration: Adult males have a bluish head and greenish back with darker markings, while females have more subdued brown coloration with cream stripes.
• Habitat: They are found in arid, sparsely vegetated, rocky areas.
• Diet: They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, ripe figs, and even food dropped by tourists.
• Activity: They are active year-round, though they may be less active during the hottest parts of the day in summer.
• Breeding: Breeding occurs in spring and early summer, with females producing multiple clutches of eggs.
• Conservation Status: The IUCN currently considers them of “least concern”. d head adorned with light blue spots and lines, evo

5. Van Gogh Starry Gecko (Cnemaspis vangoghi)A recently discovered species from the forests of southern India, this gecko was named in honor of the famous painter Vincent van Gogh due to its striking resemblance to his masterpiece, “The Starry Night”.[5] The male gecko features a golden-yellow head and forebody, with its back and head adorned with light blue spots and lines, evoking the swirling, vibrant colors of the iconic painting.

It is a new species of lizard discovered from the Southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu.
Cnemaspis vangi is named for Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh (1853–1890), as the striking colouration of the new species is reminiscent of one of his most iconic paintings, The Starry Night.
It is described as a small-sized gecko, reaching up to 3.4 cm in length.
It has a distinctive yellow head and forebody, adorned with light blue spots on the back.
This lizard prefers living among rocks and can occasionally be found on buildings and trees.
Alongside Cnemaspis vangi, another species named Cnemaspis straightening was identified, named after its type locality, the Sathuragiri Hills.
Both species inhabit low-elevation, deciduous forests within the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve, adding to the five previously known endemic vertebrates of the region.
These diurnal creatures are mainly active during the cooler hours of early morning and evening, predominantly found on rocks.
Their restricted localities present an intriguing case of microorganisms in low-elevation species.
Microorganisms refers to a phenomenon in ecology and biogeography where a species or a group of species are restricted to a very small geographic area, often on the scale of a few square kilometers or even less. 
What are Deciduous Forests?
A deciduous forest is a biome dominated by deciduous trees which lose their leaves seasonally. The Earth has temperate deciduous forests, and tropical and subtropical deciduous forests, also known as dry forests