It is an oviparous animal with an arboreal habit, which inhabits a large part of South America.

Another peculiar characteristic of the animal is the one that characterizes it by its popular name of "sloth lizard", its movements are slow, especially when compared to other reptiles that normally have agility in their locomotion.

It tends to remain motionless most of the time to camouflage itself, which, along with its subtle ability to change color, is its greatest defenses.

Its slow mobility, in addition to affecting its diet, makes it easy prey, possibly placing it in a group at risk of extinction.

To attract females, during the breeding season, males acquire a reddish color on their heads.