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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2008
Copyright ©
 
 
     

 

 
   
Forest Crested Lizard
   

Young adult, probably female, photographed at Layan Beach, Phuket, southern Thailand.

Family : Agamidae
Species : Calotes emma
Size (snout to vent) : up to 10 cm
Size (total length) : up to 38 cm

References : H1, H3

This attractive lizard inhabits various forest habitats including dry deciduous, coastal, and moist evergreen. It can be spotted on tree trunks, often low down.

 
 

Close-up showing the spines above the eye and tympanum.

   

Its identifying features are the single spine above each eye, and twin spines above the typanum (external ear-drum). Patterning and colouration can include various shades of brown, green and grey. Males are generally darker during the breeding season. The fingers and toes are of great length.

The Forest Crested Lizard ranges from India through Burma, southern China and Thailand to northern Peninsular Malaysia.