Lizard

25 Sep 2017 20:11 #4631 by Geoff Potter
Lizard was created by Geoff Potter
Photographed this little guy near KKC, no idea what it is....

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26 Sep 2017 01:30 #4632 by rushenb
Replied by rushenb on topic Lizard
Acanthosaura crucigera

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26 Sep 2017 12:29 #4633 by onflipflops
Replied by onflipflops on topic Lizard
Nice picture, Geoff!
These lizards are capable of changing their body colors, similar like chameleons do. (actually many lizards have this capability, especially agamids). This is probably about as contrasty and colorful as this species gets. Often they turn to dark brown and blend in very well with the leaf litter.

The common names of the species in the Acanthosaura genus are a big mess. They are called mountain lizards, tree lizards, horned lizards, spiny lizards, pricklenape or a combination of these. Generally this particular species is called Cross-bearing Tree (mountain, spiny or whatever) Lizard.
The scientific name - Acanthosaura crucigera as Rushen mentioned - is therefore more useful. To my knowledge there is only one Acanthosaura species in Kaeng Krachan area. But there is a couple more species throughout the country, some quite recently split off from this A. crucigera. And there are still some waiting to be described.

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27 Sep 2017 10:29 #4638 by Geoff Potter
Replied by Geoff Potter on topic Lizard
Its yellow spines and scaly body only became apparent when a bird approached. Maybe a warning?

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27 Sep 2017 10:37 #4639 by onflipflops
Replied by onflipflops on topic Lizard
Colors can change when in distress. And they might even inflate their throat a bit and open their mouth. It is quite amazing how quick they can change these colors.
Colors are likely also changing when they notice another lizard of same species. Either to attract or to warn this is their territory...
Sometimes with bobbing their heads.

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