Family Agamidae Scientific name Leiolepis Higher classification Leiolepidinae | Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Iguania Subfamily Leiolepidinae Rank Genus | |
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Similar Common butterfly lizard, Reptile, Agamidae, Leiolepis ngovantrii, Calotes | ||
Leiolepis, commonly known as butterfly lizards or butterfly agamas (Thai: แย้), are group of agamid lizards of which very little is known. They are native to Thailand, Malaysia, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. They are terrestrial lizards and prefer to live in arid, open regions.
Contents
- Vlinderagame butterfly lizard leiolepis belliana in thailand
- Species
- Sexual species
- Asexual species
- Captivity
- Edible
- Traditional game
- References
Leiolepis is the sole genus of subfamily Leiolepidinae.
Vlinderagame butterfly lizard leiolepis belliana in thailand
Species
At least eight species are recognized:
Sexual species
Asexual species
Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Leiolepis.
Captivity
Butterfly lizards are popular in the pet trade.
Edible
In the northeast region of Thailand it is popular catch butterfly lizards and eat them. In the South Central Coast region of Vietnam, especially in Ninh Thuan Province, Leiolepis is considered a delicacy for its nutrional value and can fetch high price on the market.
Traditional game
In Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand, there is a traditional game called "yæ̂ lng rū" (แย้ลงรู; literally: "butterfly lizards hole down").