Family : AGAMIDAE
Species : Aphaniotis ornata
Size (snout to vent) : 5.5 cm
Size (total length) : 17 cm

This curious looking lizard inhabits moist, primary rainforest where it is to be found clinging to the trunks or branches of saplings, or resting on the upper surface of large leaves.

The species is similar in body form to the Earless Agamid Aphaniotis fusca, with a somewhat angular head, moderately slender body and long hind legs. In one respect it is markedly different in having evolved an unusual rounded ornamentation on top of the snout. This structure is probably used for communication : in males this feature is conical and in females it is flat.

Its body colour is predominantly medium brown, with pale brown mottling, and the head is brown or olive green. The hind legs may also vary from brown to dark  olive brown. Some specimens may possess vague, dark diagonal eye stripes.

The Ornate Earless Agama (or Leaf-nosed Lizard) is restricted to the island of Borneo.

Figs 1 and 2 : Adult specimen on low vegetation in lowland primary forest at Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo.


References : H3