Reptiles ‹‹ Go Back

Other than in Sri Lanka this fast moving lizard is found in India and Pakistan. The conservation status of this species is regarded as “Least Concerned” (National Red List 2012) and it is protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

This is a small lizard that is more commonly found in the coastal sand dune areas studded with thorny bushes but is also found in forested areas in the dry zone. Other than in Wilpattu National Park I have observed this species in Udawalawa, Yala, Bundala, Kumana and Gal Oya National Parks and also in Manal Kadu area in the Jaffna Peninsular, Mannar Island, Palavi in Devils Point, Puttlam, Navadankulama and Kalpitiya.  I have also observed this species at one inland locality in Rajanganaya.

These lizards are capable of dashing across the sand propelling them selves forward at great speed only using their hind feet. Once in Bundala National park I spent a few hours in the blazing sun, lying flat on the ground photographing a male lizard of this species. After a while it relaxed and started to extend and contract its dewlap rapidly exposing the blue patch. Much to my surprise this attracted the small “Grass Blue” butterflies. Upon one of these butterflies approaching the lizard, it would stay motionless but continue to move its dewlap rapidly until the tiny insect is within reach for it to lung forward and devour in one very quick motion. At the Vankalai Sanctuary in Mannar once I observed one of these lizards lift its limbs alternatively while holding its tail off the ground to reduce the area of its body in contact with the sandy ground, which was quite hot.

In Wilpattu these lizards are quite common in all the open areas other than in heavy forested areas. I have observed them on the sand dunes at Mahapatessa, Kudapatessa, Maradanmaduwa, Panikkar Villu, Aalam Villu, Kok Mottai bungalow premises and at Ochchappu Kallu. At Mahapatessa once I observed two males engaged in a territorial dispute with their beautiful white and blue dewlaps fully extended, which lasted well over half an hour. The stand off ended when one decided to move out of the area with the more dominant male giving chase.