Jerdon's Forest Lizard

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. 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). Common total length: 32 cm (13 in). Common snout-to-vent length (SVL) : 9 cm (3.5 in).

Bangladesh, Bhutan, China (W Yunnan, Xizang = Tibet), India (Khasi Hills in Assam & Shillong) and Myanmar. Terrestrial & arboreal; diurnal; found in many types of forested land. Prefers dense and bushy hill forest. A skillful and an adept climber, it moves over trees and bushes rather swiftly. It is active during the day time.

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

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