Cercosaura oshaughnessyi, White-striped Eyed Lizard (3)

photo: Dr. Morley Read

Cercosaura oshaughnessyi, white-striped eyed lizard (2)

photo: Matt Cage

Cercosaura oshaughnessyi, white-striped eyed lizard (1)

photo: Dr. Morley Read

Habitat: N Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil (W Amazonas, Amapa), French Guiana
Status: Not Listed

This gorgeous reptile is known as the White-striped Eyed Lizard (Cercosaura oshaughnessyi). It’s an Amazonian species of lizard that has these really beautiful markings running down its flanks. The males display a brighter, more striking appearance due to  sexual selection by the females.

To compensate for their conspicuous appearance, this lizard is particularly wary of predators and will act incredibly cautiously when faced with a potential threat. You will never get this la la la lalalala!