Calotes emma Gray, 1845

Taxon Authority

Calotes emma Gray, 1845, has distinct morphological features.

Head Spine Morphology

On each side of its head, there are three completely separate small groups of spines: one behind the superciliary margin, and two above each tympanum.

Dorsal Crest Morphology

Its dorsal crest is well developed on the neck and anterior part of the trunk, and gradually disappears toward the rear.

Shoulder and Gular Morphology

A transverse fold sits in front of each shoulder, and its gular sac is only minimally developed.

Tail and Trunk Scale Morphology

The tail is laterally compressed, and there are approximately 51 scale series around the middle of the trunk.

Dorsal Body Coloration

Its dorsal surface is brownish olive, with brown bands running across the back. These brown bands are lighter in their center and interrupted by a white stripe running along each side of the back.

Eyelid Markings

The eyelids have short, radiating brown streaks.

Facial Band Markings

A brown band stretches from behind the eye to the area above the tympanum.

Pre-shoulder Fold Coloration

The pre-shoulder fold is black, with an irregular white edge.

Limb and Tail Markings

Its legs and tail have faint, indistinct dark crossbands.

Size Measurements

This species reaches a maximum total length of 40 cm (16 in) including the tail; the typical total length is 28 cm (11 in), and the typical snout-to-vent length (SVL) is 7.5 cm (3.0 in).

Confirmed Distribution

This species is confirmed to occur in Bangladesh (Satchari National Park, Bandarban Hill District), Cambodia, China (Guangdong, Yunnan), India (Assam), Laos, Peninsular Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand (including Phuket), and Vietnam (including the Pulo Condore Islands).

Unconfirmed Distribution Records

It may also occur in Bhutan. Original records note it was collected from Mergui, sent by Professor Oldham, and may range north as far as the Khasya Hills.

Doubtful Distribution Record

Its presence in Afghanistan is considered extremely doubtful.

Historical Collection Record

Mr. Blyth documented it in a collection made by Captain Bedmore at Schwe Gyen on the Sitang River in Pegu.

Activity and Microhabitat Traits

Calotes emma is terrestrial, arboreal, and diurnal.

Habitat Types

It lives in a range of forest habitats, including dry deciduous, coastal, and moist evergreen forests.

Reproductive Mode

It is oviparous.

Reproductive Details

Adult females lay 10 to 12 eggs between May and June, with an incubation period of approximately 60 to 70 days.

Human Use

This species is kept in the pet trade.

Diet

Within its ecosystem, it feeds on various types of insects.