About Plica plica (Linnaeus, 1758)
Plica plica (Linnaeus, 1758) is a species of lizard. Males of this species can reach a snout-vent length (SVL) exceeding 17 cm (6.7 in), while females can exceed 15 cm (5.9 in). It has a flattened body shape, which is likely an adaptation for clinging to vertical tree trunks, and clusters of spines on its neck. Its base color is most often olive green or greenish, marked with dark brown mottling or bands. The chin is whitish, the throat is black, and a distinct black "collar" encircles its neck. Its overall coloration is often described as "mint-chocolate-chip-colored," which allows it to blend into moss-covered tree bark. Plica plica is native to South America, where it occurs in Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. It is also found in the Caribbean on the island of Trinidad. Historical specimens were collected from Grenada, but these individuals were almost certainly stray waifs not native to the area. Plica plica primarily inhabits primary and secondary forests, where it prefers to live on the largest trees within the forest. This lizard has a low active body temperature of around 30.7 °C, a trait that may be linked to its habit of staying on trees in shady forest environments that offer few opportunities for basking.
