Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Bronchocela
Species: B. jubata
Identification
The Green Crested Lizard is 550mm in length, with a long hanging tail making up four fifths of its length. It has a jagged crest on its neck which more closely resemble hairs. The crest consists of elongated scales, although it is flabby like skin. The head is square in shape, and there is a soft sack under the chin. It has large, flexible eyelids made of fine speckled scales.
The dorsal area is coloured from light green to dark green, and can change to brown or black if feeling threatened. A rusty coloured stain appears under the throat. More spots, often blurring to form a stripe, appear on the shoulder and the front lateral side. Towards the back of the lizard, the colour becomes duller.
The underside of the lizard is yellowish to white under the chin, neck, stomach and the back of the legs. The bottom of the hands and feet are a yellowish brown. The tail is coloured green at its base, with bluish stains. Towards the end of the tail, the colour becomes a dull brown with whitish spots on the tip.
The scales of the Green Crested Lizard are hard, course and strong. The tail has an angular feel.
Habitat
The Green Crested Lizard is generally to be found in low bushes or hidden in dense trees. It can frequently be seen having fallen from the bushes or trees while chasing its prey, although it will quickly run back into the security of the nearest bush or tree. The lizard preys on butterflies, moths, dragonflies, flies and other small insect. To catch its prey, the Green Crested Lizard will generally wait in silence at the top of a tree, or it will rock slowly back and forth as if swaying in the breeze. It can also frequently be found utilising domestic electricity cables to cross from one place to another.
The Green Crested Lizard lays its eggs in loose earth, sand or humus. Like most members of the Agamidae, the mother lizard excavates the earth to form a hollow for the eggs with her snout. The eggs are white, waxy, and leathery in texture.
Location
Mandai Orchid Garden
Singapore
March 2009