Saturday, September 4, 2010

Common Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor)

The most common and widespread agamid lizard of Sri Lanka inhabiting all over the island up to about 1400m above sea level. It is uncommon in forest areas and much common close to human habitations. It is arboreal and diurnal while usually seen on low shrubs and tree trunks waiting for its prey, which primarily consist of insects. It is also feed on juveniles of other agamid, geckos and some plant matters, such as seeds, leaves and buds. Cannibalism also reported among larger individuals of this lizard. 

2 comments:

  1. I've seen males displaying a crimson shade,specially on the head. Does that color appear with a fight-or-flight reaction,or in the mating season?

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  2. Hi Amila
    In breeding season males head become bright red and also black patch appearers on the throat. It has a red gular sac at that time too. It may be useful for it both as attracting females and also threatening to other males since it is said that Males are territorial and engage in fighting with each others to retain their territory.

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