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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless credited to others.
Copyright © Ecology Asia 2025

 
     
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

   
   
 
Forest Crested Lizard 
Calotes emma
   
   

Fig 1
 

Fig 2


Fig 3


Fig 4
 

Fig 5

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

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

Its identifying features are the single spine above each eye, and twin spines above the tympanum (external eardrum). Patterning and colouration can include various shades of brown, green and grey. Males are generally darker during the breeding season.


Calotes emma ranges from India through Myanmar, southern China and Thailand to northern Peninsular Malaysia.


Fig 1 : Example on a riverside dead tree at Ulu Kinta, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

Figs 2 and 3 : Fully-grown adult male, photographed at Pulau Banding, Temenggor Lake, northern Peninsular Malaysia.

Figs 4 and 5 : Young adult, probably female, photographed at Layan Beach, Phuket, southern Thailand. Note the spine above the eye, which helps to identify the species.

Fig 6 : Greenish specimen, probably a male, from Kaeng Krachan, Thailand.

Figs 7 and 8 : Adult males from Kaeng Krachan, Thailand.

Figs 6, 7 and 8 thanks to Charles Currin.


References :

Manthey U., Grossmann W., 1997. Amphibien und Reptilien Sudostasiens. Natur und Tier - Verlag.

 

Fig 6
   
©  Charles Currin
Fig 7
   
©  Charles Currin
Fig 8
   

©  Charles Currin