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.
Key Facts
- ›Found in lowland dipterocarp forests and secondary forests in the wet zone of Sri Lanka.
- ›Distinguished by a complex rostral appendage on its snout, 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 confined to the neck.
- ›Males are dark brown or brick-red, while females may be lighter with diamond-shaped marks or black spots.
- ›A terrestrial species that lives on leaf litter, often found in pairs.
- ›Females lay two soft-shelled eggs at a time.
Rough-Nosed Horned Lizard, Sri Lanka Horned Agama, Ralu An Katussa, Punchi An Katussa
Sri Lanka
- 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 Range From 11 To 14.
- Males Are Dark Brown Or Brick-Red Dorsally and On the Flanks.
- Females May Be Similar To Males In Coloration Or Lighter, With Some Individuals Having Four Diamond-Shaped Marks and Black Spots Or Longitudinal Lines On the Dorsum.
Unknown From Provided Text
Terrestrial Species., Found On Leaf Litter In Well-Shaded Forests., Usually Found In Pairs.
About Rough-horned lizard (Ceratophora aspera)
Rough-nosed Horned Lizard (Ceratophora aspera)
The rough-nosed horned lizard, scientifically known as Ceratophora aspera, is a unique species of Agamid lizard native to Sri Lanka. It is found in the lowland dipterocarp forests and secondary forests within the island's wet zone. This lizard is easily identifiable by a complex rostral appendage on its snout, which is composed of more scales than just the primary rostral scale, setting it apart from other species in the Ceratophora genus.
Physical Characteristics
This terrestrial lizard exhibits several distinctive physical traits. It possesses an "X"-shaped dorsal ridge located at the back of its head, and its tympanum is concealed beneath the skin. A subtle dorso-nuchal crest is present, but it is limited to the neck region. The body of the rough-nosed horned lizard is slightly compressed, and the number of lamellae under its fourth toe typically ranges from 11 to 14. Sexual dimorphism is evident in coloration: males are generally dark brown or brick-red on their dorsal side and flanks. Females may share similar coloring or be lighter, with some individuals displaying four diamond-shaped markings, black spots, or longitudinal lines along their backs.
Habitat and Behavior
The rough-nosed horned lizard is a ground-dwelling species, preferring to inhabit leaf litter in well-shaded forest environments. They are commonly observed in pairs, suggesting a degree of social interaction or pairing behavior. Their distribution is restricted to the moist lowlands and submontane dipterocarp forests of southern Sri Lanka, including areas like Hiniduma and Kottawa, typically found at elevations below 900 meters.
Reproduction
Reproduction in Ceratophora aspera involves the laying of eggs. Females are known to lay two soft-shelled eggs per clutch. Further details regarding their reproductive cycle, such as incubation periods or breeding seasons, are not extensively documented in available records.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the distinguishing features of the rough-nosed horned lizard?
The rough-nosed horned lizard is identified by its complex rostral appendage on its snout, which consists of multiple scales. It also has an X-shaped dorsal ridge at the back of its head and a weak crest on its neck.
Where is the rough-nosed horned lizard found?
This lizard is endemic to Sri Lanka, specifically in the moist lowlands and submontane dipterocarp forests of the southern region, below 900 meters in elevation.
What is the coloration of male and female rough-nosed horned lizards?
Males typically display dark brown or brick-red coloration on their backs and sides. Females can have similar coloring but may be lighter, sometimes featuring four diamond-shaped marks, black spots, or longitudinal lines on their backs.
What is the habitat of the rough-nosed horned lizard?
It is a ground-dwelling species that inhabits leaf litter in well-shaded forests. They are usually found in pairs within these terrestrial environments.
How does the rough-nosed horned lizard reproduce?
Females of this species lay two soft-shelled eggs at a time as their primary method of reproduction.
Related Lizards
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.
Hump-nosed lizard
The hump-nosed lizard (Lyriocephalus scutatus) is the largest agamid lizard endemic to Sri Lanka, inhabiting dense wet zone forests. It is distinguished by a prominent bony hump on the head of adults, a laterally compressed body, and a V-shaped gular sac. This diurnal species primarily feeds on earthworms and arthropods, and exhibits unique defense mechanisms such as gaping its mouth and feigning death.
Botel gecko
The Botel gecko (Gekko kikuchii) is a species of gecko found exclusively on Orchid Island, Taiwan. It primarily inhabits coastal cliffs with shrubs and secondary forests, occasionally venturing into denser forests. This gecko is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.