Subphylum Vertebrata | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Iguania Rank Species | |
Similar Calotes nemoricola, Calotes ellioti, Calotes grandisquamis, Calotes jerdoni, Calotes rouxii | ||
Calotes maria, called commonly the Khasi Hills forest lizard, is a species of agamid lizard. The species is found in India (Khasi Hills in Assam & Mizoram), and may also be found areas of Bangladesh, adjacent to Assam and Mizoram provinces of India.
Contents
Etymology
The specific name, maria, may be in honor of English conchologist Maria Emma Gray, the wife of John Edward Gray, the describer of this species.
Morphology
Physical Structure: Two parallel rows of compressed scales on the head just above tympanum. Has extra flap of skin on the side of the abdomen.
Color Pattern: Body color yellowish green with blue patterns on the sides. Iris is orange-yellow with black pupil. Tail white and having brown patterns on it.
Length: Maximum: ?, Common: 11 cm. (Snout to vent 6 cm.).
Maximum published weight: ? g.
Distribution
India (Khasi Hills in Assam & Mizoram) and Possibly in Bangladesh (Chittagong Hill-tracts & Sylhet Division).
Vernacular names
Bengali: খাসি রক্তচোষা, খাসিয়া গিরিগিটি (Khasia girigiti) (proposed) ।
English: Khasi Hills forest lizard and Khasi Hills bloodsucker.
Hindi, Assamese & Mizo: ?
Habitat
Terrestrial and arboreal; diurnal; found in many types of forested land, tree trunks, branches and green leaves. Prefers hilly regions and dense forest.
Diet
Feeds on crickets, grasshoppers, moths and other insects.
Reproduction
Oviparous; more or less like Calotes versicolor. About 10-20 eggs laid by female and buried in moist soil. Incubation period about 6-7 weeks.
Uses
No known practical uses. Plays rôle in ecosystem by eating various types of insects and otherwise.
Threat to humans
Non-venomous and completely harmless to humans.
IUCN threat status
Not Evaluated (NE).