Jerdon's forest lizard (Calotes jerdoni)
Jerdon's forest lizard (Calotes jerdoni) is a species of agamid lizard found in South Asia and China. It is characterized by its compressed body, green dorsal coloration often with spots, and its ability to rapidly change to dark brown. Primarily insectivorous, it also consumes bird eggs, nestlings, and frogs, and is known to be non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, and Myanmar.
- ›Habitat includes dense and bushy hill forests, both terrestrial and arboreal.
- ›Diet consists mainly of insects, but also includes bird eggs, nestlings, and frogs.
- ›Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying 11-23 eggs.
- ›Maximum total length can reach 38.5 cm (15.2 in), with a common snout-to-vent length of 9 cm (3.5 in).
- ›Non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Indo-Chinese Forest Lizard, Green Forest Lizard, Green Garden Lizard
Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar
Forested Land, Hill Forest, Terrestrial, Arboreal
- Compressed-Bodied Lizard.
- Resembles Calotes Maria In Scale Pattern and Other Characters.
- Has 45-57 Scales Around the Body.
- Gular Scales Are Much Larger Than Ventral Scales.
- Features An Oblique Curved Fold Covered With Small Granular Scales In Front of the Shoulders.
- Nuchal Crest Is Less Prominent.
- Hind-Limb Reaches To the Eye Or Slightly Less.
- Dorsal and Lateral Scales Are Directed Upward.
- Deep-Green Dorsal Coloration With Yellow, Orange, Or Brown Spots.
- Can Change Body Color To Dark Brown Within Seconds.
Insects, Bird-Eggs, Nestlings, Frogs
- Terrestrial and Arboreal.
- Diurnal .
- Skillful and Adept Climber.
- Moves Over Trees and Bushes Swiftly.
- Males Develop Bright Coloration In the Forebody During the Breeding Season and Chase Females.
About Jerdon's forest lizard (Calotes jerdoni)
Jerdon's forest lizard, scientifically known as Calotes jerdoni, is a species of agamid lizard found in the forested regions of South Asia and China. Its common names include the Indo-Chinese forest lizard, green forest lizard, and green garden lizard. This species is distinguished by its compressed body, a deep-green dorsal coloration that can be adorned with yellow, orange, or brown spots, and a remarkable ability to rapidly shift its color to dark brown for camouflage.
Distribution and Habitat
The natural range of Jerdon's forest lizard encompasses Bangladesh, Bhutan, China (specifically the Yunnan and Tibet regions), India (including the Khasi Hills in Assam and Shillong), and Myanmar. It inhabits a variety of forested environments, preferring dense and bushy hill forests. While it is a terrestrial species, it is also adept at arboreal life, being a skillful climber that moves swiftly through trees and bushes.
Diet and Behavior
Jerdon's forest lizard is primarily insectivorous, with insects forming the bulk of its diet. However, it is also known to supplement its diet with bird eggs, nestlings, and small frogs. This species is diurnal, meaning it is active during daylight hours. During the breeding season, which begins around April, males exhibit brighter coloration on their forebodies as they pursue females.
Reproduction and Physical Characteristics
Reproduction in Calotes jerdoni is oviparous, with females laying between 11 and 23 eggs in small hollows dug into soft earth. Physically, the lizard has a compressed body and a distinctive scale arrangement. The hind limb typically reaches the eye, and its dorsal and lateral scales are directed upwards. While the common total length is around 32 cm (13 inches), it can reach a maximum of 38.5 cm (15.2 inches), with a usual snout-to-vent length of approximately 9 cm (3.5 inches).
Safety and Conservation
Jerdon's forest lizard is considered non-venomous and poses no threat to humans. Information regarding its conservation status is not readily available in historical records.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jerdon's forest lizard?
Jerdon's forest lizard (Calotes jerdoni) is a species of lizard belonging to the Agamidae family. It is known for its ability to rapidly change its body color and its habitat in forested regions of South Asia and China.
Where is Calotes jerdoni found?
This species is endemic to China and South Asia. Its distribution includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, China (specifically W Yunnan and Xizang/Tibet), India (Khasi Hills in Assam & Shillong), and Myanmar.
What does Jerdon's forest lizard eat?
Jerdon's forest lizard is primarily insectivorous, feeding largely on insects. However, its diet can also include bird eggs, nestlings, and frogs.
Is Jerdon's forest lizard dangerous to humans?
No, Jerdon's forest lizard is non-venomous and completely harmless to humans. It poses no threat.
What is the typical size of Jerdon's forest lizard?
The maximum total length, including the tail, for this species is recorded at 38.5 cm (15.2 inches). The common snout-to-vent length is typically around 9 cm (3.5 inches).
How does Calotes jerdoni reproduce?
Jerdon's forest lizard is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. During the breeding season, females dig small hollows in soft earth to lay their eggs, typically between 11 and 23 eggs, for incubation and safety.
What are the common names for Calotes jerdoni?
Besides Jerdon's forest lizard, this species is also commonly known as the Indo-Chinese forest lizard, green forest lizard, and green garden lizard.
Related Lizards
Sphaerodactylus
Sphaerodactylus is a genus of geckos native to the Americas, distinguished by their small size, round pupils, and unique digits that end in adhesive pads. Some species within this genus, like S. ariasae and S. parthenopion, are among the smallest reptiles globally, measuring around 1.6 cm in snout-vent length. Fossil evidence suggests their presence in Dominican amber.
Varanidae
Varanidae is a family of carnivorous and frugivorous lizards that includes the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard. These lizards are known for their intelligence, large home ranges, and high stamina, with some arboreal species specializing in fruit consumption. The family has a fossil record dating back to the Late Cretaceous period.
Indo-Chinese forest lizard (Calotes mystaceus)
The Indo-Chinese forest lizard, also known as the blue-crested lizard, is an agamid lizard found across South and Southeast Asia, as well as parts of China. It is characterized by a well-developed nuchal crest in males and a background coloration of grey to olive, often with striking red spots. This species inhabits forests but can also be found in urban environments with trees.