Rough-horned lizard
The rough-horned lizard (Ceratophora aspera) is an Agamid lizard native to Sri Lanka's wet zone, found in lowland and secondary dipterocarp forests. It is characterized by a distinctive rostral appendage composed of multiple scales and an X-shaped dorsal ridge on its head. This terrestrial species typically lives in pairs and lays two soft-shelled eggs.
Key Facts
- ›Native to the wet zone of Sri Lanka, inhabiting lowland and secondary dipterocarp forests.
- ›Features a unique rostral appendage made of more than just the rostral scale.
- ›Possesses an X-shaped dorsal ridge at the back of its head and a weak dorso-nuchal crest.
- ›A terrestrial species, typically found on leaf litter, often in pairs.
- ›Females may display diamond-shaped marks or spots on their dorsum.
- ›Reproduction involves laying two soft-shelled eggs.
Rough-Nosed Horned Lizard, Sri Lanka Horned Agama, Ralu An Katussa, Punchi An Katussa
Sri Lanka
Lowland Dipterocarp Forest, Secondary Forest, Forest Leaf Litter
- Possesses An X-Shaped Dorsal Ridge At the Back of Its Head.
- Tympanum Is Hidden Under the Skin.
- Features A Weak Dorso-Nuchal Crest Confined To the Neck Region.
- Lacks A Gular Fold.
- Body Is Slightly Compressed.
- Lamellae Under the Fourth Toe Number 11-14.
- Males Are Dark Brown Or Brick-Red Dorsally and On the Flanks.
- Females May Share Coloration With Males Or Be Lighter, With Some Individuals Displaying Four Diamond-Shaped Marks and Black Spots Or Longitudinal Lines On the Dorsum.
- Distinguished By A Complex Rostral Appendage Comprising More Scales Than the Rostral Scale Alone.
Insects
Terrestrial Species., Found On Leaf Litter., Usually Found In Pairs.
About Rough-horned lizard
The rough-horned lizard, scientifically known as Ceratophora aspera and also referred to as the rough-nosed horned lizard or Sri Lanka horned agama, is a species of lizard belonging to the Agamidae family. This reptile is endemic to Sri Lanka, where it inhabits the wet zone, specifically found in lowland dipterocarp forests and secondary forests. It is distinguished from other lizards in its genus by a notably complex rostral appendage, which is formed by more than just the rostral scale alone.
Description and Features
Physically, the rough-horned lizard possesses an X-shaped dorsal ridge situated at the back of its head. Its tympanum, or eardrum, is concealed beneath the skin, and it exhibits a subtle dorso-nuchal crest that is limited to the neck region. A gular fold is absent, and the body is somewhat compressed. The underside of the fourth toe features 11 to 14 lamellae. Sexual dimorphism is present in coloration; males are typically dark brown or brick-red on their dorsal side and flanks. Females may exhibit similar coloration or be lighter, with some individuals displaying distinct four diamond-shaped marks and black spots or longitudinal lines along their backs.
Habitat and Behavior
As a terrestrial species, the rough-horned lizard is commonly found on the forest floor, dwelling amidst leaf litter. These lizards are typically observed in pairs, suggesting a social structure or mating behavior that involves close proximity. Their habitat is restricted to the moist lowlands and submontane dipterocarp forests of southern Sri Lanka, including areas like Hiniduma and Kottawa, at elevations below 900 meters.
Reproduction
The reproductive process of the rough-horned lizard involves the laying of eggs. Females lay a clutch of two soft-shelled eggs at a time, a characteristic of its oviparous reproductive strategy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rough-horned lizard known for?
The rough-horned lizard is known for its distinctive rostral appendage, which is more complex than in other species of its genus. It also features an X-shaped dorsal ridge on the back of its head.
Where does the rough-horned lizard live?
This lizard is found in Sri Lanka, specifically in the moist lowlands and submontane dipterocarp forests and secondary forests within the wet zone, typically below 900 meters in elevation.
What does the rough-horned lizard look like?
Males are generally dark brown or brick-red, while females can be similar or lighter in color, sometimes exhibiting four diamond-shaped marks and black spots or longitudinal lines on their backs. It has an X-shaped dorsal ridge and hidden tympanum.
How does the rough-horned lizard reproduce?
The rough-horned lizard is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. Females lay two soft-shelled eggs at a time.
What is the habitat of the rough-horned lizard?
It is a ground-dwelling species found on leaf litter in well-shaded forests. They are often observed in pairs within their forest habitat.
Related Lizards
Rough-horned lizard (Ceratophora aspera)
The rough-nosed horned lizard (Ceratophora aspera) is a distinctive Agamid lizard found in the lowland and submontane dipterocarp forests of southern Sri Lanka. It is characterized by a unique, complex rostral appendage on its snout and an X-shaped dorsal ridge on the back of its head. This terrestrial species typically inhabits leaf litter in well-shaded forests and is often found in pairs.
Brookesia superciliaris
The brown leaf chameleon, also known as Brookesia superciliaris, is a small lizard found along the eastern coast of Madagascar and the island of Nosy Boraha. Its appearance is remarkably adapted to mimic a dead leaf, with a laterally squashed body and pronounced horns above its eyes. This species inhabits the floor of evergreen primary forests, and can be found from sea level up to elevations of 1,250 meters.
Calumma nasutum
The Calumma nasutum, commonly known as the Madagascar pimple-nose chameleon or big-nosed chameleon, is a small arboreal lizard native to Madagascar. It is distinguished by a prominent, paddle-like appendage on its nose, which is thought to aid in mate identification, particularly in males who also possess a more noticeable casque. This species inhabits dense rainforests and is primarily nocturnal, feeding on small invertebrates.