Butterfly lizard

The Common Butterfly Lizard (Leiolepis belliana)

The common butterfly lizard, scientifically known as Leiolepis belliana and sometimes referred to as the butterfly agama, is a distinctive species of lizard found across Southeast Asia. Its most notable characteristic is the presence of flaps of skin on its sides, which can be extended to create the appearance of butterfly wings, giving the species its evocative common name.

Habitat and Distribution

This lizard is native to countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. It thrives in open, dry grasslands, where it excavates and inhabits burrows. These burrows, which can be up to 30 cm deep and 70 cm long, serve as essential protection, particularly during the night. The species has also been identified as an invasive presence in Florida, having been introduced by a tropical fish dealer.

Physical Characteristics and Diet

Adult butterfly lizards typically exhibit a tan or olive green body adorned with yellow spots on their backs. Their sides feature small orange and black lines, and of course, the remarkable extendable flaps. During the mating season, males develop striking bright red and black stripes. These lizards can reach an adult length of up to 15 inches. Their diet is predominantly insectivorous, with prey including grasshoppers, beetle larvae, and butterflies, though they are known to supplement their diet with plants.

Reproduction and Behavior

The common butterfly lizard is known for its strictly monogamous nature, with individuals sharing their burrows with their mates. Females are capable of laying up to 8 eggs in a single clutch. The young lizards receive care within the parent's burrow for a few months before venturing out to dig their own burrows nearby. While they utilize burrows for nocturnal safety, they are not considered nocturnal in their general activity patterns.