The lizard, Diploderma bifluviale sp. nov. is currently known to exist in semi-arid scrublands in the region's warm and dry valleys at elevations of 2,187–2,525 meters.
Researchers have discovered a new lizard species in China’s upper Dadu River Valley in the Hengduan Mountains of Sichuan, China. The lizard, Diploderma bifluviale sp. nov. is currently known to exist in semi-arid scrublands in the region’s warm and dry valleys at elevations of 2,187–2,525 meters, the researchers wrote in their paper. This habitat, the researchers note, is distinct from its closest relatives. It is the 49th species in its genus.
Field Surveys
The researchers conducted field surveys of the species in Sichuan Province from August 2018 to May 2023. Photographs and measurements were taken when the specimens were alive before they were molecularly and phylogenetically analyzed to determine they were a new species.
Holotype of Diploderma bifluviale sp. nov. in life. A. Dorsal view; B. Close up-view of the dorsal side of the head; C. Lateral view; D. Close up-view of the lateral side of the head; E. Ventral view; F. Close up-view of the ventral side of the head; G. Close-up view of the oral cavity; H. Close-up views of the femoral and precloacal regions. Photo by Fengjing Liu et.al.
Description
The lizard has a khaki colored head with an olive colored stripe on the front and an olive colored strip at the back. The head is covered in olive colored dots. It features seven black and dark khaki colored stripes around the upper eye. Its dorsal surface is a dark khaki color jagged dorsolateral stripes from its neck to the pelvis. The coloration between these stripes are a dark khaki and black. It also features wide black stripes on each side of the shoulder. It measures between 2.5 and 3 inches in length, with the males smaller than the females. The lizards of the Diploderma genus are found in East Asia and the northern Indochinese Peninsula, in largely mountain habitats.
New Agamid Species Discovered in Southern China, Northern Vietnam
The complete paper describing the species, “A new species of Diploderma Hallowell, 1861 (Squamata, Agamidae) discovered in the upper Dadu River valley of the Hengduan Mountains, Sichuan, China,” can be read on the ZooKeys website.
