Emerald swifts are vibrant green lizards, with males sporting striking blue patches on their bellies. They measure between 6 and 8 inches in length and have stiff, spiny scales typical of the Sceloporus genus.

These diurnal, tree-dwelling creatures spend mornings hunting insects and bask in sunlight during the day. They seek shelter in burrows or under rocks if temperatures rise. Emerald swifts typically live for three to five years and give birth to six to fifteen young annually.

Found across Mexico's Yucatan to Panama, emerald swifts were once considered a subspecies but are now recognized as a distinct species.