Researchers from the Natural History Museum of San Marcos University have identified a new species of lizard in the Peruvian Andes, according to a statement released yesterday. The species, named Liolaemus archipensis, was discovered in the southern Andean region of Arequipa at elevations exceeding 4,800 meters.

Measuring between 6 and 8 centimeters in length, Liolaemus archipensis exhibits sexual dimorphism in its coloration. Female individuals display square-shaped spots on their backs, while males feature oblique spots accompanied by white scales that aid in camouflage among rocky terrain. The species’ diet consists primarily of plants and small arthropods, including spiders, beetles, true bugs, and insect larvae.

This discovery adds to the known biodiversity of the high-altitude ecosystems in the Andes, highlighting the region’s role as a habitat for uniquely adapted species. The identification of Liolaemus archipensis contributes valuable data to the study of Andean herpetofauna and underscores the importance of ongoing biological surveys in mountainous environments.