The Striped Forest Whiptail lizard (Kentropyx calcarata) is common in the rain forests of Guyana. This lizard lives on the forest floor; low to the ground with stout legs, it has a compressed body and a flat, blunt head. It uses its short legs, long toes and sharp claws to produce short, very quick bursts in pursuit of insect prey. Its head serves almost like a shovel, allowing this lizard to dive to safety beneath leaf litter. It’s mostly brown flanks with black striped, checkered or diamond shaped pattern allows it to blend in with the leaves and woody debris.
But it is the brilliant red and green colouration that clearly sets this lizard apart. The dark
