Calotes nigrilabris

Black-lipped lizard
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Sauropsida
Subclass: Diapsida
Infraclass: Lepidosauromorpha
Superorder: Lepidosauria
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Calotes
Species: C. nigrilabris
Binomial name
Calotes nigrilabris
Peters, 1860

Black-lipped Lizard, (Calotes liocephalus), is a agamid species endemic to Sri Lanka. It can be distinguished easily by Painted-lipped lizard by having black bar on mouth other than white or orange bar.

Destribution

A submontane and montane species, found at elevations of 1000m and above. This species is tolerably common at localities such as Nuwara Eliya, Pattipola, Ohiya, Horton Plains, and Adam's Peak

Description

Head is one and a half times width. A row of spines above and at the back of tympanum. Adult male is with swollen cheeks. Gular sacs are not developed. MId body scale rows are 42-50. Ventrals are larger than dorsals. Dorsum is green unpatterned or with black edged, cream transverse bars or eye-like spots. Head with black markings. Venter is pale green.

Diet

Inhabits tree trunks, hedges, and shrubs, where it hunts for insects and worms by day.

Reproduction

2 eggs, measuring 23 * 13mm are laid in December. Hatchlings measuring 30mm.

References