Nilgiri forest lizard (Calotes nemoricola)
The Nilgiri forest lizard (Calotes nemoricola) is an agamid lizard found in the Western Ghats of India. It is characterized by its green or brownish coloration, distinct black streak from the eye to the tympanum, and a dorsal crest composed of lanceolate spines. This species inhabits forests and is typically found on the ground or in low vegetation.
Key Facts
- ›Found in the Western Ghats of India, including the Nilgiri Hills and Anaimalai.
- ›Possesses a dorsal crest made up of approximately 12 lanceolate spines.
- ›Coloration is typically green or brownish with indistinct darker markings.
- ›Features a black streak extending from the eye to above the tympanum.
- ›Males may have a swollen tail base with thickened scales in adulthood.
- ›Scales on the sides are large and not keeled, while those on the abdomen are smaller and keeled.
Nilgiri Forest Lizard
India
- Green Or Brownish Coloration Above With Indistinct Darker Markings.
- Black Streak From the Eye To Above the Tympanum.
- Throat With Black Streaks; Belly Dirty White; Gular Pouch Pink In Life.
- Scales of the Sides Are Very Large and Not Keeled; Scales of the Abdomen Are Much Smaller and Keeled.
- Dorsal Crest Extends About One-Third Along the Back, With Pointed Scales On the Ridge Where the Crest Terminates.
- Nuchal and Dorsal Crests Are Continuous, With the Nuchal Crest Well-Developed and Composed of About 12 Lanceolate Spines.
- Limbs Are Moderate; Hind Limb Reaches the Tympanum Or Just Short of It.
- Tail Is Feebly Compressed and Covered With Subequal, Keeled Scales.
- Fully Grown Males Have A Swollen Tail Base With Thickened Scales.
Found On the Ground Or In Low Vegetation.
About Nilgiri forest lizard (Calotes nemoricola)
What is the Nilgiri Forest Lizard?
The Nilgiri forest lizard, scientifically known as Calotes nemoricola, is a species of agamid lizard native to the Western Ghats of India. It is found in various locations within this mountain range, including the Nilgiri Hills, Anaimalai, the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Coorg, and Agumbe.
Physical Characteristics
This lizard typically exhibits a green or brownish coloration, often with subtle darker markings. A distinctive feature is a black streak that extends from its eye to just above the tympanum. The throat may also display black streaks, while the belly is generally a dirty white. In life, the gular pouch is noted to be pink. The scales on the sides of its body are large and not keeled, contrasting with the smaller, keeled scales on its abdomen. A prominent dorsal crest, composed of approximately 12 lanceolate spines, runs along about one-third of its back.
Size and Anatomy
Recorded lengths for the Nilgiri forest lizard can reach up to 18 inches. The head is about one and a half times longer than it is broad, with a snout that is noticeably longer than the orbit. The limbs are of moderate size, with the hind limb typically reaching the tympanum or slightly less. Adult males develop a swollen base of the tail, characterized by thickened scales.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Nilgiri forest lizard found?
The Nilgiri forest lizard is native to the Western Ghats of India. Its known distribution includes regions such as the Nilgiri Hills, Anaimalai, Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Coorg, and Agumbe.
What does the Nilgiri forest lizard look like?
This lizard typically has a green or brownish coloration with subtle darker markings. A distinctive feature is a black streak that runs from its eye to just above the tympanum. It also possesses a notable dorsal crest made of spines.
What are the key physical characteristics of this lizard?
The Nilgiri forest lizard has scales on its sides that are large and smooth, while abdominal scales are smaller and keeled. It has a dorsal crest that extends about one-third of the way along its back and is composed of about 12 lanceolate spines. Adult males may exhibit a swollen base of the tail with thickened scales.
What is the size of the Nilgiri forest lizard?
One specimen recorded was 18 inches long. The head length is noted to be one and a half times its breadth, and the snout is distinctly longer than the orbit.
Does the Nilgiri forest lizard have any unique markings?
Yes, it commonly displays a black streak that originates from the eye and extends towards the tympanum. The throat area may also have black streaks, and the belly is typically a dirty white. In life, the gular pouch is described as pink.
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