Sitana visiri
Sitana visiri, commonly known as the palm leaf fan-throated lizard, is a species of agamid lizard found exclusively in the Tamil Nadu region of India. Its most distinctive feature is a large, serrated dewlap with a prominent orange spot bordered by blue, which resembles a local palm-leaf fan, giving the species its name. This lizard inhabits coastal sand dunes, grasslands, and plains, often in areas with Prosopis juliflora.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Tamil Nadu region of India.
- ›Characterized by a large, serrated dewlap with a distinctive orange and blue coloration.
- ›The dewlap's appearance is the source of its common and scientific name.
- ›Inhabits coastal sand dunes, grasslands, and plains.
- ›It is an oviparous (egg-laying) species.
- ›Breeding males are observed in the fall (September and October).
Palm Leaf Fan-Throated Lizard
India
Coastal Sand Dunes, Grasslands, Plains, Prosopis Juliflora Dominated Areas
- Possesses A Strongly Serrated Dewlap With A Large Orange Spot Surrounded By Extensive Blue Color.
- the Dewlap Can Extend Up To 56% of Its Trunk Length, Which Is Proportionally Larger Than Some Related Species.
- Characterized By A Larger Snout-Vent Length Compared To Species In the Ponticeriana Clade.
About Sitana visiri
The Sitana visiri, also known as the palm leaf fan-throated lizard, is a distinct species of agamid lizard that is endemic to the Tamil Nadu region of India.
Distinguishing Features
This lizard is readily identified by its prominent dewlap, a flap of skin under the chin, which is unusually large and serrated. The dewlap features a striking central orange spot encircled by a broad blue area. This coloration and shape are reminiscent of a traditional hand-crafted fan made from palm leaves, which is the origin of both its common and scientific names. The dewlap of Sitana visiri can extend significantly, reaching up to 56% of its trunk length, a proportion larger than in several related species within the Sitana genus.
Habitat and Distribution
Sitana visiri is exclusively found in the Tamil Nadu region of India. Its preferred habitats include coastal sand dunes, open grasslands, and plains. The species is also noted to inhabit areas where the invasive Prosopis juliflora plant is prevalent. It shares these environments with other lizard species such as Eutropis carinata, Eutropis bibronii, and Calotes versicolor.
Reproduction
As an oviparous species, Sitana visiri reproduces by laying eggs. Observations indicate that breeding males are active during the fall months, specifically September and October. Young hatchlings have been documented emerging in January, suggesting a seasonal breeding cycle tied to these periods.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most notable physical characteristic of Sitana visiri?
The most striking feature of Sitana visiri is its dewlap, which is large, strongly serrated, and displays a prominent orange spot surrounded by extensive blue coloration. This dewlap's shape is said to resemble a local palm-leaf fan.
Where is Sitana visiri found?
Sitana visiri is found only in the Tamil Nadu region of India. It is specifically endemic to this area, meaning it naturally occurs nowhere else in the world.
What kind of habitats does Sitana visiri live in?
This lizard is typically found in coastal sand dunes, grasslands, and plains. It also thrives in areas dominated by the Prosopis juliflora plant.
How does Sitana visiri reproduce?
Sitana visiri is an oviparous species, which means it lays eggs. Breeding males have been observed during the fall months of September and October, and hatchlings have been seen in January.
What distinguishes Sitana visiri from other lizards in its genus?
Sitana visiri can be identified by its strongly serrated dewlap with a large orange spot edged in blue. It also has a larger snout-vent length compared to species within the ponticeriana clade of the Sitana genus.
Related Lizards
Callisaurus draconoides
The zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides) is a diurnal reptile native to the arid regions of the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Known for its distinctive black and white striped tail, which it raises and wags when threatened, this lizard inhabits open desert areas with hard-packed soil and scattered vegetation. It primarily feeds on insects and spiders, occasionally supplementing its diet with plant matter.
Hemidactylus depressus
Hemidactylus depressus, also known as the Sri Lanka leaf-nosed gecko or Kandyan gecko, is a species of gecko found exclusively on the island of Sri Lanka. This arboreal lizard is characterized by its large head, depressed tail with serrated edges, and distinctive dorsal markings. It inhabits trees, boulders, caves, and sometimes human dwellings, feeding primarily on insects.
Peking gecko
The Peking gecko (Gekko swinhonis) is a species of lizard native to China, primarily found north of the Yangtze River. It prefers arid and moist grasslands and plains as its natural habitat. This oviparous species is currently listed as 'Vulnerable' due to declines attributed to harvesting for traditional medicine and habitat loss.