Identification:
This newly discovered lizard species is relatively large, with a head and body length of up to 103.5 mm. The tail is 1.5 times the length of the body. Scales on the head, body, and tail are smooth. It possesses a single frontonasal scale, six supralabial scales, and 7-8 supraocular scales that contact the entire length of the orbital scales. There are 30-32 scale rows around the midbody and 17-18 scale rows at the base of the tail (at the 10th subcaudal scale). The dorsal coloration is grayish-brown, featuring pale yellow transverse bands across the mid-back. White spots arranged in longitudinal rows are present on the flanks and sides. The frontal and nasal scales exhibit an orange-yellow hue, while the ventral surface is bright red.
Biology and Ecology:
This nocturnal reptile inhabits evergreen forests in high-altitude mountainous regions, frequently found near rocky streams at elevations of 1,000 – 1,300 meters above sea level. Its diet consists of insects found within its habitat.
Distribution:
The new reptile species was recently discovered in Vietnam and published in Zootaxa issue number 2439. It has only been observed within the Hoàng Liên National Park, specifically in the Sa Pa and Văn Bàn districts of Lào Cai province. This represents the ninth species of Goniocephalus lizard recorded in Vietnam.