Female resting on a young sapling at the edge of primary rainforest.  Fraser's Hill, Peninsular Malaysia.
 

Family : AGAMIDAE
Species : Acanthosaura armata
Size (snout to vent) : Up to 13 cm
Size (total length) : Up to 29 cm

References : H1, H3

The Horned Tree Lizard inhabits primary rainforest, and is commonly found resting on small saplings where, presumably, it feels safer from predators such as arboreal snakes.

This impressive lizard is identified by the single long spine extending from above each eye socket, and the length and height of the spines along the vertebral line. There are no spines on the back of the neck. The body is laterally compressed.

Body colour can be variable ranging from mottled red in males to grey, green or yellowish in females. Ocelli patterns, resembling eyes, are often present. There is commonly a dark band around the neck, and the tail may be plain or strongly barred.

It is probable that populations of agamids identified as the Horned Tree Lizard comprise separate subspecies or even different  species.

The Horned Tree Lizard ranges from Southern Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra. It is listed as being 'doubtful' in  Singapore.