Oriental Garden Lizard

Description:

The Oriental Garden Lizard, is an agamid lizard found widely distributed in Asia. It has also been introduced in many other parts of the world. Both males and females have a crest from the head to nearly the tail, hence their other common name "Crested Tree Lizard". Changeable Lizards are related to iguanas. Unlike other lizards, they do not drop their tails, and their tails can be very long, stiff and pointy. Like other reptiles, they shed their skins. Like chameleons, Changeable Lizards can move each of their eyes in different directions.

Habitat:

Seen in my garden.

Notes:

Males become highly territorial during breeding season. During the breeding season, the male's head and shoulders turns bright orange to crimson and his throat black. Males also turn red-headed after a successful battle with rivals. They discourage intruding males by brightening their red heads and doing "push-ups". The red head has given it a common incorrect name of "Bloodsucker". Each tries to attract a female by inflating his throat and drawing attention to his handsomely coloured head.