Researchers in Ecuador and Peru recently found three new lizard species that are colorful, spiky and only a few inches long. The lizards were discovered in the Andes and may be the cutest dragon stand-ins on Earth.

The three new varieties differ from their closest relatives in scale arrangement and coloration. DNA analysis confirmed the three new species' uniqueness. All three belong to the same genus: Enyalioides altotambo, Enyalioides anisolepis and Enyalioides sophiarothschildae.

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"The diversity of these conspicuous reptiles has been underestimated," said study lead author Omar Torres-Carvajal of the Museo de Zoologia QCAZ in Ecuador.

Woodlizards grow to be between three and six inches (seven to 15 centimeters) long, making them one of the largest lizards in the Amazon rainforest. Researchers noted the lizards' colors and patterns help them blend into the environment.

The scientists were especially surprised to find three new species of woodlizards in such a condensed area as the reptiles are bright and colorful - making them hard to miss.

E. anisolepis is 5 inches-long (13 cm) and named after a Greek word that means unequal scales, referring to the differently sized scales on its back, flanks and limbs. This scaly lizard also has conical spikes sticking out of the back of its head.

Males are black and green while females are speckled pale brown. The species lives in both northern Peru and southern Ecuador between 2,375 feet and 5,715 feet (724 m and 1742 m) above sea level.

E. altotambo refers to the town of Alto Tambo, Ecuador, where the woodlizard was found. Both males and females looks like the thick-necked, warty dragon called "Gronckle" from the 2010 film "How to Train Your Dragon." Research suggests the species scales are all the same size, as well as their mitochondrial DNA.

In 2006, only six species of woodlizards were identified. The fieldwork of committed scientists has quickly changed that.

Details of the newly discovered lizards appeared in the latest issue of ZooKeys.

TagsScientists Find Colorful 'Dwarf Dragon' Lizards in the Andes Territory, Dwarf Dragon Dwarf Dragon, lizards, lizard species, Dwarf Dragon in Andes, Andes, peru, Ecuador, reptile, jungle animal, Woodlizards, New Species