A new bright blue lizard has been discovered … in plain sight!
A new lizard species, called the Calotes bachae, was discovered in Vietnam. At a glance, this new lizard looks like another blue lizard in Southeast Asia, which is why scientists never thought it was a new species. However, just recently scientists decided to do a genetic analysis of the lizard and studied the size and scale characteristics of the animal and all that revealed it to be part of a new species!
Scientists have found that even though the lizards’ scales are a combination of bright colours, the males’ skin gets even brighter during mating season, which is supposed to attract female lizards and intimidate male lizards. They also discovered that the colouration of their skin disappears at night all together, leaving their scales a dark brown colour.
This new lizard was found in many locations in Vietnam, ranging from the Cat Tien National Park to the tropical forests of Bu Gia Map National Park and even downtown Ho Chi Minh City!
How cool is this new species? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!