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Zenger
Zenger
Lifestyle
Joseph Golder

Optimus Prime: Newly Discovered Lizard Species In Machu Picchu Named After Transformers Character

Optimus Prime Machu Picchu Peru
Proctoporus optimus, discovered in the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu and named as a tribute to Optimus Prime, a character in the science fiction movie Transformers, which was filmed in this protected natural area and other places in Peru. (Sernanp/Zenger)

A new species of lizard that was classified as endangered almost as soon as it was found has been discovered in the ruined ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu and has been given the name after the popular Transformer character Optimus Prime.

The new lizard species, discovered in the 15th-Century city of Machu Picchu, an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, has been officially named ‘Proctoporus optimus’, in reference to the popular Autobot leader Optimus Prime from the Transformers Hollywood movie franchise.

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