{"product_id":"emerald-swift-sceloporus-malachiticus","title":"Emerald Swift (Sceloporus malachiticus)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"188\" data-end=\"231\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"188\" data-end=\"231\"\u003eEmerald Swift (Sceloporus malachiticus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"332\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"253\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"254\" data-end=\"279\"\u003eSceloporus malachiticus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"279\" data-end=\"282\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"282\" data-end=\"298\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Emerald Swift, Green Spiny Lizard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"334\" data-end=\"337\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"339\" data-end=\"359\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"361\" data-end=\"501\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"361\" data-end=\"370\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults typically reach 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) in total length, with males generally larger and more vividly coloured than females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"1064\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"518\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Emerald Swifts are striking lizards known for their bright emerald-green coloration, which is especially intense in adult males. Males often display turquoise, blue, or yellow highlights along the flanks, with darker speckling or subtle patterning across the back. Females are usually brown or olive with lighter mottling and may show hints of green. Their bodies are covered in rough, keeled scales, giving them a textured, spiny appearance. They have robust limbs, expressive eyes, and agile movements characteristic of the spiny lizard group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1066\" data-end=\"1165\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1066\" data-end=\"1083\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to Central America, including Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1167\" data-end=\"1392\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1167\" data-end=\"1179\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Emerald Swifts inhabit montane forests, highland woodlands, and cool, moist cloud forest regions. They are semi-arboreal and often found on tree trunks, mossy rocks, or sunlit clearings at mid to high elevations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1757\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1408\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species is diurnal, fast-moving, and territorial. Males perform push-up displays, dewlap extensions, and rapid colour intensification during dominance or courtship behaviour. They feed primarily on insects but may also consume small spiders and other invertebrates. Emerald Swifts prefer cooler temperatures than many typical tropical lizards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"1759\" data-end=\"1762\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1764\" data-end=\"1780\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1782\" data-end=\"2104\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1782\" data-end=\"1796\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a semi-arboreal enclosure at least 24 inches × 18 inches × 24 inches (60 × 45 × 60 cm) for a single adult or a pair. Include climbing branches, cork bark, rock ledges, and dense foliage. A naturalistic, planted enclosure works exceptionally well due to their preference for cool, humid environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2106\" data-end=\"2403\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2106\" data-end=\"2135\"\u003eTemperature and Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2135\" data-end=\"2138\"\u003eBasking area: 90–95°F (32–35°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2169\" data-end=\"2172\"\u003eAmbient temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2210\" data-end=\"2213\"\u003eNight temperatures: 65–72°F (18–22°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2250\" data-end=\"2253\"\u003eHumidity should remain around 60–80%, supported by daily misting and moisture-retentive substrate. Ensure good airflow to prevent stagnant conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2560\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2418\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide strong full-spectrum lighting with moderate UVB (5–10%). Bright, diffused lighting encourages basking and enhances their colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2562\" data-end=\"2833\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2562\" data-end=\"2571\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a varied insectivorous diet including crickets, roach nymphs, black soldier fly larvae, small mealworms, silkworms, and occasional waxworms. Supplement with calcium frequently and multivitamins weekly. Juveniles should be fed daily; adults every 1–2 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2835\" data-end=\"3161\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2835\" data-end=\"2862\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Emerald Swifts are active and display-oriented. They enjoy climbing, basking, and performing territorial body movements. While visually striking, they are typically too quick and skittish for regular handling. They thrive when housed in naturalistic enclosures with stable environmental conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3163\" data-end=\"3467\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3163\" data-end=\"3190\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3190\" data-end=\"3193\"\u003e• Provide cooler microclimates, as this species does not tolerate excessively warm enclosures.\u003cbr data-start=\"3287\" data-end=\"3290\"\u003e• Secure vertical climbing décor is essential.\u003cbr data-start=\"3336\" data-end=\"3339\"\u003e• Handling should be minimal due to their flighty, delicate nature.\u003cbr data-start=\"3406\" data-end=\"3409\"\u003e• Males are territorial and should not be housed together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3469\" data-end=\"3472\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3474\" data-end=\"3491\"\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3493\" data-end=\"3743\"\u003eThe Emerald Swift belongs to the family Phrynosomatidae, a diverse group of North and Central American spiny lizards. \u003cem data-start=\"3611\" data-end=\"3636\"\u003eSceloporus malachiticus\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the most vividly coloured species in the genus, well adapted to cooler, high-elevation habitats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3745\" data-end=\"3748\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3750\" data-end=\"3767\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3769\" data-end=\"4033\"\u003eThere are no recognized morphs for the Emerald Swift. Natural variation includes differences in green intensity, blue flank highlights, and dorsal spotting. These variations arise from individual and locality-based genetic diversity rather than selective breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Male","offer_id":56196258398530,"sku":"shx1789651724389","price":56.94,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Female","offer_id":56196258431298,"sku":"erw1789651724390","price":33.55,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/8380\/8066\/files\/emerald-swift-sceloporus-malachiticus_1.jpg?v=1789651752","url":"https:\/\/abrasionresistclad.shop\/products\/emerald-swift-sceloporus-malachiticus","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}