Morphological Description
A slender-limbed species with a snout-vent length (SVL) of 106-122 mm and a long tail (381-410 mm, which is 312-386% of the SVL). The tympanum (eardrum) has a minimum diameter that is approximately half the diameter of the orbit (eye socket) or less (ratio 0.43-0.51).
Head and Scalation
The head is covered dorsally with small, uniform, keeled scales. There are no enlarged or compressed scales between the orbit and the tympanum. Eight supralabials (upper lip scales) and nine infralabials (lower lip scales) are present on each side.
Crests and Throat Region
A nuchal crest (nape crest) is indicated by 6-12 very small, erect scales; a dorsal crest is absent. The mental scale (chin scale) is wider than high, and there are two postmental scales. The gular sac (throat pouch) is small in males. The gular region (throat region) is covered with slightly enlarged, keeled scales that are smaller than the ventral scales (belly scales).
Body Scales and Limbs
Lateral body scales are small, smooth to weakly keeled, and homogenous, with 47-54 midbody scale rows. The ventral scales are approximately twice the size of the dorsal scales and are strongly keeled. The fifth toe is small, smaller than the fourth finger.
Species Comparison
This species can be distinguished from B. smaragdina by:
- The presence of only two postmental scales (see Figs. 12 and 13).
- A lateral light band with dark dots in males (without dots in B. smaragdina*).
- A tail barred with dark bands (without bands in B. smaragdina*).
It can be distinguished from other members of its genus by a combination of characteristics:
- Small dorsal scales.
- A fifth toe that is smaller than the fourth finger.
- Absence of enlarged scales behind the upper corner of the orbit.
- Absence of enlarged supraorbital scales (scales above the eyes).
The tympanum is slightly smaller than half the diameter of the orbit, but not significantly so.