Lyriocephalus scutatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Taxonomic Identification

This species is a large agamid lizard with the scientific name Lyriocephalus scutatus (Linnaeus, 1758).

Body Shape

The body is laterally compressed.

Head Ornamentation

A pair of small spines is present at the back of the head, and a dorso-nuchal crest is developed.

Head Scale Morphology

Scales on the forehead are keeled.

Head Bony Structure

Adults have a distinct bony arch or hump on the head, which gives the species its name.

Auditory Structure

The tympanum is absent.

Gular Region Morphology

A V-shaped gular sac is present, and large, keeled gular scales are visible.

Tail Morphology

The tail is short, compressed, and has a blunt tip.

General Body Coloration

The dorsum is light green, the throat is yellow, and the rest of the venter is cream colored.

Male Coloration

Males are bright green with a yellow throat pouch and neck sail.

Female Coloration

While females can also show this same coloration, they are normally brown, especially when a male is present.

Juvenile Coloration

Juveniles are brown.

Distribution Range

This lizard is widespread in the wet lowlands and midhills of Sri Lanka, found from 25 meters up to an elevation of 1650 meters.

Habitat

It inhabits forests with high canopies and dense undergrowth, and it occasionally also enters home gardens.

Diurnal Activity

It is active during the day, when it stays low on trees and on the ground.

Nocturnal Roosting

It moves higher up on trees to sleep at night.

Threat Display

Its typical threat posture is an open-mouth gape that reveals the bright red lining of the oral cavity.

Anti-predator Behavior

The species is also known to feign death when picked up.

Diet Composition

Its diet consists primarily of earthworms, and also includes arthropods such as termites, butterflies, and moths.

Plant Food Items

It also feeds on young shoots and buds.

Clutch Size and Egg Dimensions

Clutches contain 1 to 11 eggs, each egg measuring 12–13 by 20–22mm.

Breeding Season

Clutches are produced in the months of January, March, May, June, September, October, and December.

Oviposition Site

After being laid, eggs are buried in the soil, sometimes under bushes.

Incubation Period

The incubation period lasts 35 days.