Kingdom Animalia Class Reptilia Family Agamidae Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Iguania Subfamily Draconinae Genus Ceratophora Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar Ceratophora, Rhino‑horned lizard, Leaf‑nosed lizard, Cophotis ceylanica, Calotes liolepis | ||
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.
Contents
Description
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.