Reptile · GBIF taxon 11041294
Taiwan Japalure
Diploderma swinhonisAlso known as Swinhoe's Japalure, Swinhoe's Lizard, Swinhoe's Tree Lizard
Taiwan Japalures are active agamid lizards frequently seen clinging vertically to tree trunks, wooden fences, and rock walls across Taiwan. Males display strong territoriality, performing energetic push-up displays and flashing a yellow side stripe to warn off rivals or attract mates. Their mottled brown skin provides excellent camouflage against tree bark, enabling them to ambush passing insects with swift strikes.
ArborealTerritorialDimorphic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ants
- Beetles
- Spiders
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Snakes
- Domestic cats
ThreatsHabitat alteration and predation by domestic cats
HabitatsSubtropical forests, shrublands, agricultural edges, urban parks
Life span5–8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAgamidae
- SpeciesDiploderma swinhonis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May bite defensively if handled; observe safely from a short distance.
Responsible observation
- Watch for push-ups: Males perform rhythmic push-ups on visible perches to mark territory.
- Scan tree trunks: Look closely at tree bark and posts up to two meters off the ground.
- Observe from a distance: Avoid reaching out to grab them, as cornered individuals will bite.
Frequent Companion (c) Licheng Shih, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Licheng Shih · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Yung-Lun Lin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative 中華民國(台灣)行政院農業委員會林務局 / Public domain · cc0
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