Neon Blue-Tailed Tree Lizard

African lizard · tail escape · tree climber

Glowing Blue Tail. This lizard has a stunning bright blue tail that makes it stand out in the forest. The tail is so eye-catching that predators focus on it instead of the lizard's body.

Lives in Trees. Holaspis guentheri spends most of its time climbing around in African trees and plants. Its body is perfectly designed for gripping branches and racing along twigs.

Tail Detachment Trick. When a predator grabs the lizard's tail, it can drop the tail and escape to safety. The tail keeps wiggling on the ground to distract the attacker while the lizard runs away.

African Home. This sawtail lizard is found only in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, from forests to woodland areas. It has adapted to life in the warm, humid climate of the African continent.

Sawtail Name. The name sawtail comes from the zigzag pattern of spikes or ridges along its tail. These bumpy edges make the tail look like a tiny saw.