Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Order Squamata Scientific name Otocryptis weigmannii | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Iguania Rank Species | |
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Similar Lyreshead lizard, Otocryptis beddomei, Calotes ceylonensis, Cophotis ceylanica, Calotes calotes | ||
The Brown-patched Kangaroo lizard (Otocryptis wiegmanni), also called Wiegmann's Agama or Sri Lankan Kangaroo Lizard, is a small, ground dwelling agamid lizard endemic to the wet zone forests and lower mountain forests (up to 1300 metres) of Sri Lanka. It is commonly seen in the leaf litter of shady rain forests. When perceiving danger, it spurts away quickly on its large hind legs and might eventually climb up a sapling or tree. It feeds on small insects, grubs and tender shoots. It is closely related to the Indian Kangaroo Lizard (Otocryptis beddomii) of the rain forests of South India.
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Description
Adult body size: about 7 cm. Tail: 15 cm. Its colour ranges from dark reddish brown to dull brown. Males are darker than females. Lays between three and five eggs in a nest in the ground between July and January.
Ecology & Diet
When threatened, it may run bipedally, and even attempt to climb saplings and trees. Diet includes insects and their larvae, and also some vegetation such as tender shoots.
Reproduction
Between 3-5 ellipsoidal eggs, measuring 7-7.5 * 10-17mm are produced at a time, between July and January, with a peak between October and January. Hatchlings come after 57–70 days.
