The nomenclatorial history, taxonomy, distribution, and external morphology of the iguanid lizard genus Plica are reviewed, and the genus is compared with related iguanid genera. Plica plica and Plica umbra are recognized as the only valid species. Geographic variation in Plica umbra is discussed, and two races are recognized: the nominate form in Venezuela and the Guianas, and P. u. ochrocollaris Spix in the Amazonian basin of northern Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and northern Brazil. Use of the generic name Uranoscodon Boie is discussed, and Lacerta superciliosa is designated as its type species.