Binomial name: Calotes versicolor
English:
Description:
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It is an insectivore and the male gets a bright red throat in the breeding season.
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It measures over 10 cm (3.9 in) in length snout-to-vent. Total length including the
tail is up to 37 cm (14.5 in).
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The ground-color is generally a light brownish olive, but the lizard can change it to
bright red, to black, and to a mixture of both. This change is sometimes confined to
the head, at other times diffused over the whole body and tail.
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During the breeding season, the male's head and shoulders turns bright orange to
crimson and his throat black. Males also turn red-headed after a successful battle
with rivals. Both males and females have a crest from the head to nearly the tail,
hence their other common name "Crested Tree Lizard".
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Changeable Lizards are related to iguanas (which are found only in the New
World). Unlike other lizards, they do not drop their tails (autotomy), and their tails can
be very long, stiff and pointy. Like other reptiles, they shed their skins. Like
chameleons, Changeable Lizards can move each of their eyes in different directions.
Habitat:
# Wolf spiders are found in a wide range of habitats both coastal and inland. These
include shrublands, woodland, wet coastal forest, alpine meadows, suburban
gardens, and homes.
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Most are wanderers without permanent homes. Some build burrows which can be
left open or have a trap door (depending on species). Often they are found in man-
made locations such as sheds and other outdoor equipment.
Diet:
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Changeable Lizards eat mainly insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, ants and
small vertebrates, including rodents and other lizards. Although they have teeth,
these are designed for gripping prey and not tearing it up. So prey is swallowed
whole, after it is stunned by shaking it about. Sometimes, young inexperienced
Changeable Lizards may choke on prey which is too large. Occasionally changeable
lizards also consume vegetable matter.
Reproduction:
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Males become highly territorial during breeding season. They discourage intruding
males by brightening their red heads and doing "push-ups". Each tries to attract a
female by inflating his throat and drawing attention to his handsomely colored head.
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Oviparous; about 10—20 eggs are laid, buried in moist soil. The eggs are long,
spindle-shaped and covered with a leathery skin. They hatch in about 6–7 weeks.
They are able to breed at about 1 year old.