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Calotes versicolor

Family Name:	Agamidae
Taxonomic Group:	Vertebrates (Reptile)
Common Name:	Changeable Lizard

Name

Taxonomic Group 1
Taxonomic Group 2
Family Name
Genus
Species Epithet
Common Names

Description

Description	Body robust with small strongly keeled scales, head large, long slender limbs and a long tail. A spiny crest along the middle of the nape and back. Two spines above the ear opening. Brownish to greenish yellow with blackish streaks radiating from the eyes and brown bands along the back with a whitish stripe on the sides. Sexually dimorphic – adult males are larger with swollen cheeks, and develops an orange head and a black blotch over the cheeks and throat during the breeding season.

Description

Body robust with small strongly keeled scales, head large, long slender limbs and a long tail. A spiny crest along the middle of the nape and back. Two spines above the ear opening. Brownish to greenish yellow with blackish streaks radiating from the eyes and brown bands along the back with a whitish stripe on the sides. Sexually dimorphic – adult males are larger with swollen cheeks, and develops an orange head and a black blotch over the cheeks and throat during the breeding season.

Ecology, Habitat & Location

Ecological Notes	Diurnal and arboreal. Feeds on insects and small lizards.
Habitats	Forest, Terrestrial, Urban, Parks & Gardens
Distribution	Commonly found in urban parks and on tree trunks and fences.

Status

Species Status	Exotic / Introduced
Conservation Status	Common

Photos

Images

References

References	Baker, N. & Lim, K. 2008. Wild animals of Singapore. Singapore: Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd. 180pp

Others

Master ID
Species ID

Species record last updated on: 29 January 2024.