Reptile · GBIF taxon 2460434
Shining Tree Iguana
Liolaemus nitidusAlso known as Chilean Shining Lizard, Lagartija Nítida
Shining tree iguanas feature glossy, metallic scales that glitter under the intense sun of central Chile. These agile climbers spend warm mornings basking atop sun-warmed rocks and sclerophyllous shrubs before hunting insects and nibbling on tender plant shoots. When startled, they sprint with impressive speed into thorny brush or deep rock crevices for safety.
EndemicReptileDiurnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Ants
- Berries
Predators
- Chilean Long-tailed Snake
- American Kestrel
- South American Gray Fox
ThreatsHabitat loss from urbanization, agriculture, exotic forest plantations
HabitatsChilean matorral, sclerophyllous woodland, rocky slopes
Life span5–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLiolaemidae
- SpeciesLiolaemus nitidus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Approach Slowly: Move cautiously near rocky outcrops where they bask during warm mornings.
- Watch the Bushes: Scan low branches of sclerophyll shrubs for shiny scales glinting in sunlight.
Predator Close Relative Close Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.