In the Dadu River valley of Sichuan Province, China, scientists have identified a new species of lizard after several years of field research. The discovery was detailed in a study published September 3 in ZooKeys.
The research team conducted surveys between 2018 and 2024, focusing on the upper reaches of the river, an area that had not been extensively studied previously. During daytime expeditions, they encountered several unfamiliar lizards and subsequently performed DNA analysis to confirm the uniqueness of the species.
The newly described reptile, named Diploderma bifluviale or Dadu mountain lizard, is considered relatively small, growing up to about seven inches long. It features moderately long limbs, short tails, and heads with a wheat-colored tongue. Its coloration includes dark khaki tones with darker brown blotches and cream patches along its back.
According to the researchers, “Dadu mountain lizards live in a mountainous river valley between elevations of 7,100 to 7,600 feet. The area is characterized by long hours of sunlight, frequent clear days, distinct wet and dry seasons, and significant diurnal (daytime) temperature variations.”
The study notes that these lizards inhabit arid shrublands during daylight hours and prey on local insects. Five females were found carrying three to seven eggs each. The population appears rare and may be quite limited in number.
The species’ name derives from Latin words for “two” and “rivers,” reflecting its discovery near where the Chuosijia River meets the Jiaomuzu River within the Dadu River system. So far, sightings are restricted to Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in central China.
Researchers identified Diploderma bifluviale based on its size, proportions, toe length, tongue color, and other physical traits. Genetic analysis showed at least four percent divergence from related species.
The research team included Fengjing Liu, Yayong Wu, Jindong Zhang, Guang Yang, Shuo Liu, Xue Chen, Jiang Chang, Qiang Xie and Bo Cai.
