Fauna
Reptile

Indian Garden Lizard

Calotes versicolor

Also known as Oriental Garden Lizard, Changeable Lizard

The Indian Garden Lizard is a long-tailed agamid with a spiny crest along its neck and back. Territorial males perform conspicuous head bobs and push-ups, and their head coloration intensifies during breeding.

Agamid LizardHead-bobbing DisplayInsect Hunter
Indian Garden Lizard reference1 / 7
Sifat Sharker / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGrasshoppers, Beetles, Spiders
Predators
  • Snakes
  • Raptors
  • Domestic cats
ThreatsRoad traffic, pesticide exposure, and predation by domestic animals
HabitatsGardens, scrub, open forest, farms, and sunny edges
Life spanOften about 5 years; wild longevity varies
Classification
  1. FamilyAgamidae
  2. GenusCalotes
  3. SpeciesCalotes versicolor
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Do not chase or handle; allow the lizard an open escape route.
Responsible observation
  • Display: Watch fence posts for head bobs and push-ups.
  • Warmth: Scan sunlit trunks and walls during mild mornings.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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