A team of lab collaborators has announced the discovery of a new species of lizard, Liolaemus misti, in the volcanic chain surrounding Arequipa, Peru. The remarkable find, published in the German Journal of Herpetology, Salamandra, highlights the unique biodiversity of the Andean highlands. The new species is notable for its presence at elevations up to 5400 meters , representing the highest altitude record for any living squamate.
Liolaemus misti, named in honor of the iconic Misti volcano that dominates the Arequipa landscape, belongs to the Liolaemus walkeri clade. The species was identified based on detailed morphological, meristic (scale counts), and coloration analyses, distinguishing it from other closely related lizards in the region.
"The discovery of Liolaemus misti underscores the incredible, yet often overlooked, biodiversity that can be found in high-altitude environments," said Dr. Roy Santa-Cruz, lead author of the study from the Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa. "These animals are living on the edge of what's possible, and understanding them helps us appreciate the resilience of life."
The newly described lizard is characterized by its small size (less than 50 mm snout-vent length), a pigmented subocular scale, a generally absent or highly fragmented vertebral line, smooth or slightly keeled scales on the dorsal side of its thighs, and the absence of precloacal pores in both males and females. Many individuals also exhibit partial or total ventral melanism (dark pigmentation on the belly).
The type locality for Liolaemus misti is Simbral, in the district of Chiguata, Department of Arequipa, at an elevation of 4185 meters. However, the species has been recorded at elevations ranging from 3730 to an astounding 5400 meters. This upper limit surpasses previous records for squamate reptiles, demonstrating an extraordinary adaptation to harsh, high-montane conditions.
"The discovery of Liolaemus misti underscores the incredible, yet often overlooked, biodiversity that can be found in high-altitude environments," said Dr. Roy Santa-Cruz, lead author of the study from the Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa. "These animals are living on the edge of what's possible, and understanding them helps us appreciate the resilience of life."
The newly described lizard is characterized by its small size (less than 50 mm snout-vent length), a pigmented subocular scale, a generally absent or highly fragmented vertebral line, smooth or slightly keeled scales on the dorsal side of its thighs, and the absence of precloacal pores in both males and females. Many individuals also exhibit partial or total ventral melanism (dark pigmentation on the belly).
The type locality for Liolaemus misti is Simbral, in the district of Chiguata, Department of Arequipa, at an elevation of 4185 meters. However, the species has been recorded at elevations ranging from 3730 to an astounding 5400 meters. This upper limit surpasses previous records for squamate reptiles, demonstrating an extraordinary adaptation to harsh, high-montane conditions.
Citation: Santa Cruz, R., A. Canzas-Teran, R. Bejarano, E. Lopez, A. Morales, R. von May, A. Catenazzi, C. Aguilar-Puntriano. 2025. A new species of the Liolaemus walkeri clade (Squamata: Liolaemidae) in the volcanic chain of Arequipa, Peru. Salamandra 61: 115-131.
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