Tuatara

Reptiles > Rhynchocephalia

The Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) is an extraordinary reptilian survivor that holds a revered position in evolutionary paleontology. Although resembling a robust lizard, it is not a lizard at all; rather, it is the sole surviving member of Rhynchocephalia, an ancient...

Maya’s Pit Viper

Reptiles > Vipers

Formally described in 2022 from specimens collected in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, India, Trimeresurus mayaae—commonly known as Maya’s Pit Viper—was named in honor of the late Maya Sharma, mother of the lead researcher. This venomous serpent belongs to the...

Farnsworth’s Vine Snake

Reptiles > Colubrids

Described in 2020 following an extensive systematic and molecular revision of the Asian vine snake complex, Ahaetulla farnsworthi honors Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth, the beloved fictional scientist from Futurama. Endemic to the biodiversity hotspot of India’s...

Alto Tambo Woodlizard

Reptiles > Lizards

Described in 2015 from the hyper-diverse Chocó rainforests near Alto Tambo in northwestern Ecuador, Enyalioides altotambo is a spectacularly armored hoplocercid woodlizard. Resembling a miniature dragon, this arboreal reptile is distinguished from its close Andean...

Fangorn Leaf-tailed Gecko

Reptiles > Geckos

Formally described in 2023 and named after the ancient, moss-draped Fangorn Forest of Tolkien’s Middle-earth lore, Uroplatus fangorn is a masterwork of natural cryptic mimicry. Native strictly to the high-elevation cloud forests of northern Madagascar, this...

Garamaso Leaf-tailed Gecko

Reptiles > Geckos

Formally described in 2023 after being confused with the Henkel’s Leaf-tailed Gecko for over two decades, Uroplatus garamaso is a master of cryptic crypsis endemic to the northern forests of Madagascar. Its specific epithet ‘garamaso’ derives from...

Salazar’s Pit Viper

Reptiles > Snakes

Discovered in 2019 and published in 2020 from Pakke Tiger Reserve in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Salazar’s Pit Viper (Trimeresurus salazar) is a vibrant green arboreal serpent named in tribute to Salazar Slytherin. Belonging to the Asian pit viper...

Guwahati Bent-toed Gecko

Reptiles > Geckos

Described in 2021 from forested hills in and around the burgeoning metropolis of Guwahati in Assam, India, the Guwahati Bent-toed Gecko (Cyrtodactylus urbanus) is a remarkable nocturnal reptile. Its discovery right on the outskirts of an urban center underscores the...

Wangshu Cave Gecko

Reptiles > Geckos

Described in 2022, the Wangshu Cave Gecko (Goniurosaurus wangshu) is a gorgeous, nocturnal eyelid gecko discovered within isolated karst limestone formations in eastern China’s Anhui Province. Named ‘Wangshu’ after the mythological Chinese goddess...

Gezhi Cave Gecko

Reptiles > Geckos

The Gezhi Cave Gecko (Goniurosaurus gezhi) is a visually striking eyelid gecko discovered in 2020 within isolated karst towers of Guangxi, southern China. Possessing fiery carmine-red eyes, dramatic yellow dorsal banding, and clawed non-adhesive toes, it represents an...