Current Context: In September 2026, researchers announced the discovery of a new high-altitude lizard species named Liolaemus arequipensis from the Peruvian Andes. The species was identified in the Arequipa region of southern Peru and formally described in the scientific journal Diversity on 23 September 2026.
Key Points:
- Where was it found? The species was discovered in the Castilla and Condesuyos provinces of Arequipa, at elevations ranging from about 3,774 to 4,818 metres above sea level.
- Who discovered it? The research involved scientists from the Natural History Museum of the National University of San Marcos (UNMSM), Peru, along with international researchers from Spain and the United States. The study was led by Ling Huamaní-Valderrama.
- Why the name arequipensis? The specific name arequipensis refers to the Arequipa region, where the specimens were collected.
- How was it identified as a new species? Scientists combined morphological analysis with mitochondrial and nuclear DNA studies to distinguish it from other closely related Liolaemus lizards. Some populations had previously been confused with other species because of their similar appearance.
- Physical and biological features: The lizard is about 6–8 cm long, shows clear differences in colour and markings between males and females, and is viviparous, meaning the young develop inside the mother rather than hatching from externally laid eggs.
- Habitat and diet: It lives in harsh high-Andean environments such as grasslands, shrublands, wetlands and rocky puna landscapes. Its diet includes plant material and small arthropods, including spiders, beetles and insect larvae.
- Why is the discovery important? It adds to knowledge of the still incompletely documented biodiversity of the Peruvian Andes and shows that even well-studied reptile groups may contain cryptic species that can only be separated using genetic and detailed morphological evidence.
Question:
Q1.The newly discovered lizard species Liolaemus arequipensis was found in which country?
a) Chile
b) Bolivia
c) Peru
d) Ecuador
Answer: (c) Liolaemus arequipensis was discovered in the Arequipa region of southern Peru, in the high Andes between roughly 3,774 and 4,818 metres.
