Bronchocela cristatella
Bronchocela cristatella·Agamidae
Bronchocela cristatella, commonly known as the green crested lizard, is a striking agamid lizard native to Southeast Asia. This species is characterized by its bright green coloration, which can shift to darker browns when threatened, and a distinctive crest on the male's neck. They inhabit diverse environments, including forests, parks, and rural areas, and are known for their quick movements among trees.
Key Facts
- ›Bright green coloration, sometimes with a blue tint on the head.
- ›Can change color to darker brown when threatened.
- ›Males possess a crest on their neck.
- ›Has a very long, thin tail, making up about 75% of its total length.
- ›Found in forests, parks, and rural areas across Southeast Asia.
- ›Known for quick movements among tree branches.
Green Crested Lizard
Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, South Thailand, South Myanmar, Nicobar Islands
- Bright Green Coloration, Occasionally With A Blue Tint On the Head.
- Capable of Changing Color To Darker Brown When Threatened.
- Dark Ring Around Each Eye.
- Dark Spot At the Back of the Head.
- Males Possess A Crest On the Neck.
- Scales On the Sides Are Small .
- Ventral Scales Are Larger, Arranged In Fourteen Longitudinal Rows.
- Short Series of Larger Scales Forming A Continuation of the Superciliary Margin.
- Nuchal Crest Is Low, Formed By Triangular Spines; Not Continued On the Back.
- Vertebral Scales Are Scarcely Prominent.
- Fourth Hind Toe Is Longer Than the Third.
- Uniform Grass-Green Coloration.
- Very Long and Thin Tail, Approximately 75% of Total Length.
- Body Length Up To 13 cm .
- Total Length Up To 57 cm .
- Moves and Leaps With Great Quickness Among the Branches of Trees.
- Changes Color Suddenly To Grey, Brownish, Or Blackish When Threatened.
- May Display Orange Spots Or Indistinct Black Network During Color Change.
- Large, Isolated, Round Black Spots Can Appear On the Head Or Back, Or Around the Tympanum When Threatened.
- Competition With Introduced Species In Some Areas.
About Bronchocela cristatella
Bronchocela cristatella: The Green Crested Lizard
Bronchocela cristatella, more commonly recognized as the green crested lizard, is a distinct species of agamid lizard native to the diverse landscapes of Southeast Asia. Its vibrant, bright green coloration, sometimes accented with a blue tint on the head, makes it a visually striking inhabitant of its natural range.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
The green crested lizard is found across a broad swathe of Southeast Asia, with established populations in Malaysia (both West Malaysia and Borneo), Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, southern Thailand, southern Myanmar, and the Nicobar Islands of India. This species is adaptable, inhabiting not only dense forests but also more open environments such as parks and rural areas, demonstrating its ability to coexist with human-influenced landscapes.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
A key feature of Bronchocela cristatella is its remarkable ability to change color, often shifting from its typical green to a darker brown when it perceives a threat. This allows for a degree of camouflage against varied backdrops. Males possess a notable crest on their neck, adding to their distinctive appearance. Anatomically, the lizard is characterized by a very long and slender tail, which constitutes approximately 75% of its total length. Its body length typically reaches up to 13 cm (5.1 inches), with a total length, including the tail, extending to about 57 cm (22 inches). They are known for their agility, moving and leaping with considerable speed among tree branches.
Conservation Considerations
While widespread, the green crested lizard faces localized challenges. In certain regions, such as Singapore, its range has been observed to be declining due to competition from introduced species like the changeable lizard (Calotes versicolor). Further ecological studies and conservation efforts are important to ensure the continued presence of Bronchocela cristatella throughout its natural habitat.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the green crested lizard?
The scientific name for the green crested lizard is Bronchocela cristatella. This binomial nomenclature is used to classify the species within the scientific community.
Where is Bronchocela cristatella found geographically?
Bronchocela cristatella is endemic to Southeast Asia. Its range includes Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, southern Thailand, southern Myanmar, and the Nicobar Islands of India.
What are the key physical characteristics of Bronchocela cristatella?
This lizard is typically bright green, sometimes with a bluish hue on its head. It has a dark ring around each eye and a dark spot at the back of its head. Males are distinguished by a crest on their neck, and the species features a very long, thin tail.
What kind of habitats does the green crested lizard prefer?
Bronchocela cristatella is adaptable and can be found in various environments. These include forests, as well as more open spaces like parks and rural areas.
Can Bronchocela cristatella change its color?
Yes, the green crested lizard is capable of changing its color. It can turn a darker brown when it feels threatened, likely as a form of camouflage or defense.
What is the typical size of Bronchocela cristatella?
The body length of Bronchocela cristatella is approximately 13 cm (5.1 inches). Including its tail, the total length can reach up to 57 cm (22 inches).
Related Lizards
Draco sumatranus
Draco sumatranus, commonly known as the common gliding lizard, is a species of agamid lizard found in Southeast Asia. Its most distinctive feature is the presence of elongated ribs and skin flaps that allow it to glide between trees. These lizards are typically found in forests and urban environments and feed on small insects.
Chamaeleo dilepis
The flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) is a large, arboreal lizard native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its variable coloration, ranging from green to yellow and brown, and its distinctive flap-like crest along its neck. This species inhabits a variety of environments, including forests, savannahs, and woodlands, and plays a role in the international pet trade.
Tiliqua nigrolutea
The blotched blue-tongued lizard (Tiliqua nigrolutea) is a large, robust skink native to southeastern Australia. Known for its distinctive blue tongue, used for defense and sensory purposes, it exhibits varied coloration depending on its geographic location, with lowland and highland forms recognized. Primarily an omnivore, this species is viviparous and can live for an extended period, making it a valuable asset in agricultural and urban environments by controlling pests.