Calotes jerdoni

Calotes jerdoni

Calotes jerdoni
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Calotes
Species:
C. jerdoni
Binomial name
Calotes jerdoni

Calotes jerdoni, commonly known as the Indo-Chinese forest lizard or Jerdon's forest lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to China and South Asia.

Etymology

The specific name, jerdoni, is in honor of British biologist Thomas C. Jerdon.[3] Common names include green forest lizard, green garden lizard, Indochinese forest lizard and Jerdon's forest lizard.

Description/Identification

C. jerdoni

Physical structure: A compressed-bodied lizard. This species resembles Calotes maria in pholidotic (scale) and other characters except that it has 45-57 scales round the body; gular scales much larger than the ventral scales; there is an oblique curved fold covered with small granular scales in front of the shoulders; nuchal crest less prominent; the hind-limb reaches to the eye or not quite so far.[4] Dorsal and lateral scales directed upward.

Color pattern: Deep-green dorsal coloration with yellow, orange or brown spots, but in many cases can make the body into a dark brown within a few seconds.

Length: Maximum total length (including tail): 38.5 cm (15.2 in).[4] Common total length: 32 cm (13 in). Common snout-to-vent length (SVL) : 9 cm (3.5 in).

Distribution and habitat

Bangladesh, Bhutan, China (W Yunnan, Xizang = Tibet), India (Khasi Hills in Assam & Shillong) and Myanmar.

Terrestrial & arboreal; diurnal;[4] found in many types of forested land. Prefers dense and bushy hill forest.[5] A skillful and an adept climber, it moves over trees and bushes rather swiftly. It is active during the day time.[5]

Diet

Insectivorous; feeds largely on insects but at times bird-eggs, nestlings, and frogs too are eaten up.[5]

Reproduction

Oviparous; breeding season begins around April when males develop bright coloration in the forebody and begin to chase females. Female digs a small hollow in soft earth and lays 11-23 eggs in it for incubation and safety.[5]

Threat to humans

Non-venomous and completely harmless to humans.

References

  1. ^ Lwin, K.; Wogan, G.; Rao, D.-Q.; Cai, B.; Wangyal, J.T.; Das, A. (2021). "Calotes jerdoni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021 e.T104635196A104635212. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T104635196A104635212.en. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
  2. ^ Species Calotes jerdoni at The Reptile Database
  3. ^ Beolens, B.; Watkins, M.; Grayson, M. (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. xiii + 296. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5.
  4. ^ a b c TIKADER, B.K.; SHARMA, R.C. (1992). Handbook, Indian Lizards. ⁠Zoological Survey of India. pp. 98–99.
  5. ^ a b c d Ajeya Jha; Kishore Thapa. "Sikkim" (PDF). WWF-India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-09-21.

Further reading

  • Annandale N. (1905). "Contributions to Oriental Herpetology. Suppl. II. Notes on the Oriental lizards in the Indian Museum, with a list of the species recorded from British India and Ceylon". Journal & Proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. 1 (2): 81–93.
  • Günther A. (1870). "Descriptions of a New Indian Lizard of the Genus Calotes". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1870: 778-779 + Plate XLV. (Calotes jerdoni, new species)



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