Grass-loving lizard

Description

For general description see diagnosis of the genus.Philochortus zolii differs from other species of the genus by the following combination of characters (characters of P.lhotei [=Synonym] included): Prefrontals often separated by a small subtriangular plate.Two parietals,interparietal in contact with the occipital scale.Temporal scales large,tympanum absent.24–25 gular scales between collar and postmental shield.4 supraoculars,often the first and fourth fragmented.Collar composed of 6 scales.29–37 slightly keeled dorsal scales in a transversal row at midbody,those of the 4 median rows enlarged and stronger keeled.Ventrals in 6 longitudinal and 31 transversal rows.Dorsal side of the forelimbs covered by 2 or 3 large imbricate series of plates edged with black.28–36 subdigital scales.10–15 femoral pores are present. Maximum snout-vent-length (SVL) 73 mm,average tail/SVL ratio = 2.8. Upper head greenish grey or brownish,sides of head bluish white.Clearly striated in all ages.Back maroon with 6 sandy-white stripes.Lateral sides with streaks of large black blotches,which become more evident in adults.Limbs greenish yellow with dark marbling.Tail brilliant red in young,reddish or brownish red in adults.