Saint Croix ground lizard  (Ameiva polops)

The Saint Croix ground lizard is a small lizard characterised by a distinctive pattern of longitudinal stripes down its back and rings around its tail, giving the species its highly unique appearance (3). A striking pattern of light brown, dark brown to black, and white stripes run down the length of the back (3). Below these are a series of narrow brown, black and white vertical stripes, which extend from the sides down to the stomach. The stomach is light grey with bright blue markings, which extend down the tail (3). A deep pinkish-red hue colours the underside of the legs, throat and chest (3). The long tail has alternating rings of blue and black, and blends from a browner tone near the body to a deeper blue colour at the tip (3).