Rough-nosed horned lizard
| Rough-nosed horned lizard | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Agamidae |
| Subfamily: | Draconinae |
| Genus: | Ceratophora |
| Species: | C. aspera |
| Binomial name | |
| Ceratophora aspera Günther, 1864 | |
 | |
The rough-nosed horned lizard (Ceratophora aspera) is a lizard from Sri Lanka in lowland dipterocarp forests and secondary forests in the wet zone. It is distinguished from all the other Ceratophora species by the presence of a complex rostral appendage, comprising more scales than rostral scale alone. The lateral body scales are small and more or less regular shape.
An X-shaped dorsal ridge at back of head. Tympanum hidden under the skin. A weak dorso-nuchal crest confined to the neck region. Gular fold absent. Body slightly compressed. Lamellae under fourth toe counts 11-14. Males are dark brown or brick-red dorsally and on the flanks. Females may be similar to males in coloration and can be lighter, with some individuals have four diamond-shaped marks and black spots or longitudinal lines on dorsum.
Natural history
A terrestrial species, it is found on leaf litter in well-shaded forests, usually in pairs. Two soft-shelled eggs are laid.
Habitat & Distribution
A ground-dwelling species and lives in pairs. Restricted to the moist lowlands and submontane dipterocarp forests region in southern Sri Lanka, including Hiniduma, Kottawa below 900m of elevation.
Reproduction
2 eggs are laid at a time.
References
- ↑ Somaweera, R. & de Silva, A. (2010). "Ceratophora aspera". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 23 August 2012.