Oriental Garden Lizard

The Oriental Garden Lizard ( Calotes versicolor ) is one of the common species of reptiles in parks, gardens, villages and cultivations. It is readily seen sunning on exposed low branches, fences and rural roads. When one comes too close, it habitually runs for cover or dive into the undergrowth. Because it can change colour, it is also call the Changeable Lizard, and can be mistaken for a chameleon. Male Oriental Garden Lizard Typical of Agamid lizards, it has a series of upward pointing triangular scales on its head, which become smaller as it runs down its back. Numerous variable sized, backward pointing scales cover the body of this small reptile. Surrounding the eyes are movable eyelids, visible up close. The body is somewhat triangular in cross-section: the underneath being flattened and the sides compressed toward the top. Generally, the male are larger than female, reaching one foot in length. Oriental Garden lizards fight over territory. In breeding season, th...