Rough-nosed horned lizard

The rough-nosed horned lizard (Ceratophora aspera) is an Agamid 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.

Rough-nosed horned lizard
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Ceratophora
Species:
C. aspera
Binomial name
Ceratophora aspera
Günther, 1864

Description

The rough-nosed horned lizard has an X-shaped dorsal ridge at back of its 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.

References
  1. Somaweera, R. & de Silva, A. (2010). "Ceratophora aspera". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2010: e.T170383A6773297. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T170383A6773297.en. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
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