Neural Crest Cells (NCCs) are embryonic stem cells, sometimes referred to as "the fourth cell layer", giving rise to diverse cell types all throughout the developing vertebrate body. In this project we will use single cell RNA sequencing to characterize the first NCC atlas in a non model organism, the common wall lizard. We will sequence cells from multiple stages of embryonic development and aim to characterize multiple NCC-derived cell populations developing towards such cell types as chondrocytes, melanocytes and sympatric neurons. The cell type atlas will be a valuable tool for our future studies of the developmental-evolution in this reptile.