Like other species in the genus Sceloporus, their scales tend to be fairly stiff and heavily keeled, giving them a spiny texture.

In the early morning, they forage for insects, and then spend much of the day basking in the sun.

Unlike most iguanid lizards, emerald swifts are ovoviviparous, giving birth to six to fifteen young yearly.

The emerald swift is found from Mexico's Yucatan region, to Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

They feed readily on commercially available crickets and can be maintained in a relatively small vivarium, though they do require adequate UV lighting.