Scientists have identified a new species of lizard in the high Andes of southern Peru, underscoring the rich biodiversity present in the country’s mountainous regions. The discovery was announced Saturday by researchers at the Natural History Museum of San Marcos University.

The lizard, named Liolaemus archipensis, measures between six and eight centimetres in length and exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in its coloration. Females display square-shaped spots on their backs, while males feature oblique markings combined with white scales, which provide camouflage against the rocky terrain they inhabit.

This species was found at an elevation exceeding 4,800 metres in the Arequipa region, an area known for its challenging environmental conditions, including thin air, low temperatures, and sparse vegetation. Despite these harsh surroundings, Liolaemus archipensis maintains a varied diet, consuming both plant matter and a range of small arthropods such as spiders, beetles, true bugs, and insect larvae.

The lead researcher on the project, biologist Ling Huamani-Valderrama, emphasized the significance of the discovery for the understanding of Peru’s biodiversity. “The description of a new species represents a very important advance for biodiversity in our country,” she stated.

Peru is already recognized for its extensive reptile diversity, with 296 lizard species documented to date. Many of these species occupy specialized ecological niches, spanning a wide array of habitats from arid coastal deserts to high-altitude mountainous ecosystems. The identification of Liolaemus archipensis contributes to this growing catalog of reptilian fauna adapted to Peru’s varied landscapes.