Rhino horned lizard
The rhino-horned lizard (Ceratophora stoddartii), also known as Stoddart's unicorn lizard, is a reptile endemic to the montane forests of central Sri Lanka. Its most distinctive feature is a prominent, horn-like rostral appendage on the snout of males, which is reduced or absent in females. This arboreal lizard is well-camouflaged against tree bark and mosses, and it displays a unique defense mechanism of opening its mouth wide to reveal a bright orange lining when threatened.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the montane forests of central Sri Lanka.
- ›Males possess a prominent horn-like appendage on their snout, while females have a reduced or absent one.
- ›Primarily arboreal, spending most of its time resting vertically on tree trunks or branches.
- ›When threatened, it opens its mouth wide, displaying a bright orange lining.
- ›It is oviparous, laying 2-5 eggs that hatch after 81-90 days.
- ›Its coloration and pattern help it camouflage effectively with tree bark, lichens, and mosses.
Stoddart's Unicorn Lizard, Mountain Horned Agama, Kagamuva Angkatussa
Sri Lanka
- Oval-Shaped Head, Longer Than Wide.
- Males Have A Long, Horn-Like Rostral Appendage, About Two-Thirds the Length of the Snout.
- Rostral Appendage Is Reduced Or Absent In Females.
- 23–27 Lamellae Under the Fourth Toe.
- Dorsum Is Brownish Green Or Yellowish Brown.
- Tail Marked With 10–16 Dark Brown Crossbands.
- Venter Is Light Brownish Gray.
Caterpillars, Earthworms
- Slow-Moving
- Arboreal, Found On Trees 1-2 Meters Above Ground.
- When Threatened, Opens Mouth Wide To Reveal Bright Orange Lining.
- Rests Vertically On Tree Trunks Or Branches.
- Takes Refuge In Mosses During Harsh Weather.
- Camouflages With Tree Barks and Lichens/Mosses.
- Higher Perch Height In Adult Males May Be For Territorial Defense and Attracting Females.
- Descends To the Ground For Occasional Hunting Sprints.
- Changes Color To Shades of Brown When On the Ground To Camouflage With Leaf Litter.
About Rhino horned lizard
Rhino-horned Lizard
The rhino-horned lizard, scientifically classified as Ceratophora stoddartii, is a unique reptile species found exclusively in the montane forests of central Sri Lanka. Commonly referred to as Stoddart's unicorn lizard or the mountain horned agama, it is a member of the Agamidae family. Its most striking characteristic, particularly in males, is a prominent, horn-like appendage on its snout, a feature that is significantly reduced or entirely absent in females. This distinct morphology contributes to its recognition within its specialized habitat.
Habitat and Ecology
This lizard is primarily arboreal, spending most of its life on trees at heights of 1 to 2 meters above the ground. It favors environments with ample trees and undergrowth, and when weather conditions become unfavorable, it seeks refuge within the abundant mosses found in cloud forests. The varied shades of tree bark and the presence of lichens and mosses provide excellent camouflage for the rhino-horned lizard, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Adult males often perch at higher elevations, a behavior potentially linked to territorial defense and attracting mates. While largely residing in trees, the species will descend to the ground for short bursts to hunt prey, such as caterpillars and earthworms, and it is capable of altering its coloration to better match the leaf litter when on the forest floor.
Reproduction
The rhino-horned lizard is oviparous, reproducing by laying eggs. Egg-laying typically occurs in July. A clutch usually consists of 2 to 5 eggs, which hatch after an incubation period of 81 to 90 days. Hatchlings, often found in humus or leaf litter, are well-camouflaged, aiding their survival against potential predators.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rhino-horned lizard?
The rhino-horned lizard, scientifically known as Ceratophora stoddartii, is a species of lizard found exclusively in the montane forests of central Sri Lanka. It is recognized for the distinctive horn-like appendage on the snout of males.
Where does the rhino-horned lizard live?
This species is endemic to Sri Lanka and is found widely in the montane forests of the central part of the island. Specific recorded locations include Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains National Park, and the Knuckles mountain range.
What does the rhino-horned lizard look like?
The rhino-horned lizard has an oval head. Males are distinguished by a long, horn-like rostral appendage, about two-thirds the length of the snout, which is reduced or absent in females. Its coloration is typically brownish green or yellowish brown on the dorsum, with dark brown crossbands on the tail, and a light brownish gray venter.
How does the rhino-horned lizard defend itself?
When threatened, the rhino-horned lizard exhibits a unique defense mechanism by opening its mouth wide, revealing a bright orange lining of its oral cavity. This sudden display is likely intended to startle potential predators.
What is the diet of the rhino-horned lizard?
The rhino-horned lizard is an opportunistic hunter. While it primarily resides in trees, it will descend to the ground for occasional hunting sprints to catch prey. Its diet has been observed to include caterpillars and earthworms.
How does the rhino-horned lizard reproduce?
The rhino-horned lizard is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. Egg laying typically occurs in July, with clutch sizes ranging from 2 to 5 eggs. These eggs hatch after approximately 81 to 90 days.
What are the habitat preferences of the rhino-horned lizard?
This lizard thrives in montane forests and prefers environments with relatively larger trees and plants of low to medium diameter at breast height (DBH). They often rest vertically on tree trunks or branches and take refuge in abundant mosses during harsh weather.
Related Lizards
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Adolfus jacksoni
Adolfus jacksoni, also known as Jackson's forest lizard, is a species of lizard belonging to the Lacertidae family, native to East Africa. It prefers forest habitats at significant altitudes and exhibits diurnal and semi-arboreal behaviors. This oviparous species lays clutches of three to five eggs, and communal nesting sites have been observed.
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