File:Oriental Garden Lizard - Calotes versicolor.jpg

English: DID YOU KNOW!!!

Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Family: Agamidae Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Phylum: Chordata Suborder: Iguania Species: C. versicolor Genus: Calotes Binomial name: Calotes versicolor (Daudin, 1802)

DID YOU KNOW!!!

This widespread Asian native can easily be found in parks and gardens, where it feeds on insects and other prey. Its colour ranges from brownish-buff to greyish, and in the breeding season the throat of the male becomes red and black, as in the photo at left. The species is identified by the short crest above the neck, the presence of small spines above the tympanum and by the lack of a shoulder fold. The male has swollen cheeks.

Commonly found amongst low shrubs and bushes, it will also scamper up tree trunks to avoid being detected. Like many agamids it lays its eggs in a hole in the ground.

The species ranges from India to Iran, and from southern China down to Thailand. Recently introduced to Singapore, it appears to have out-competed the native Green Crested Lizard Bronchocela cristatella, which now has a restricted range.

Here are about the Changeable Lizard (Calotes versicolor)

It is not a native species. It was introduced into Singapore in the 1980s. Today, it has displaced the native Green Crested Lizard.

It is carnivorous, eating mainly insects and sometimes smaller lizards!

Female lizards dig a hole in the ground to lay their eggs.

Male lizards are most noticeable during mating season: their heads turn orange with a black patch on each side.

The males’ courtship display consist of head bobbing and doing ‘push-ups’