Only recently have scientists begun to critically analyse diversity within south-east Asian lizards of the genus Cnemaspis. Sixteen new species have been described in the past five years, most isolated on mountaintops, tower karst formations, or islands. One of the latest discoveries is Cnemaspis psychedelica, from one of 92 islands in the Rach Gia Bay, southern Vietnam, which has a unique mixture of greenish yellow, blue-grey, black streaks, and bright orange with yellow bars.

Prior to 2007, there was a single species of the gecko genus from Vietnam. In the past seven years, four new species have been discovered there, plus one each from Borneo and Cambodia, and 11 from peninsular Malaysia. At least 14 additional new Asian species are soon to be named.

Scientists are pondering why this species of diurnal lizard found in rocky, forested terrain has such unique colouration. Until more field studies are completed, we can only speculate. Sexual selection is ruled out because males and females are similar in appearance. It is not camouflage because the lizards are very conspicuous. Perhaps it is aposematism, appearing distasteful to predators.

Quentin Wheeler is director of the International Institute for Species Exploration, Arizona State University.