Emerald alligator lizard

Adults display colors ranging from teal blue to deep green, often with pale yellow bellies and a yellow ring around each eye. Males tend to be more vibrant, while juveniles are paler and commonly display dark, lateral stripes. Their heads are triangular, and their limbs and body are adapted to arboreal life, with a prehensile tail that helps them climb and navigate through treetops.

These lizards are native to the Mexican states of Veracruz and Pueblo.  They are arboreal, meaning they live in trees, and are most commonly found 130 feet (40 meters) above the forest floor. 

Their preferred habitat is the humid canopy of cloud forests, among bromeliads and dense vegetation. They are typically found at elevations of 4,500-9,000 feet (1,350-2,740 meters) above sea level.

They can live up to around 10 years in human care.

They primarily eat insects and other small invertebrates.

Alligator lizards are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young rather than lay eggs. They can give birth to a single litter of seven to 12 offspring each year. 

Breeding typically occurs in the fall and young are born between April and June, after six to eight months of gestation. Young are born fully formed, independent from birth, and begin feeding on small insects soon after birth.

The destruction of cloud forests poses the greatest threat to this species, and the growing demand for agriculture drives deforestation within their habitat. Collection for the pet trade is also considered a significant threat.

These lizards can be found in two protected areas within their natural range and have been given special protection under Mexican law. Other species within the Abronia genus are also at risk as a result of habitat destruction due to their restricted range. Because of this, they are considered some of the planet's most threatened lizard species.