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

Calotes emma (Forest Crested Lizard) 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 clinging to a tree trunk at Kledang Saiong, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

Fig 2 : Example on a dead riverside tree at Ulu Kinta, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

Fig 3 : Example on low vegetation at Kledang Saiong, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

Fig 4 : Fully-grown adult male, photographed at Pulau Banding, Temenggor Lake, northern Peninsular Malaysia.

Fig 5 : Young adult, probably female, photographed at Layan Beach, Phuket, southern Thailand. 

Fig 6 : Example from Kaeng Krachan, Thailand.  Photo thanks to Charles Currin.


References :

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