The Changeable Lizard. Also known as the Common Garden lizard, these lovely and ubiquitous creatures can still be found out on a sunny December day, like this young chap, photographed last week.
The advantage of shooting these wild in December is that you can often get quite close as they bask in the sun. Also the cameras today record such great images you can crop them and see the wonderful details in the animals skin and eyes.
Description:
Generally dark brown or olive wish some banding. Grows quite large, up to 40cm and they can vary quite considerably in colouring...sometimes mottled and darkish brown, whilst other times has deep red chest to head colours with a bright red and black throat. Females not so colurful. Has a large triangular head. Older specimens have a crest, and the scales are highly keeled. the tail is very long and thin, often banded.
Habitats:
Loves to sun itself...and can often be found in the plants and shrubs next to pathways. Not often found in forests. you can hear them scrabble about and then they remain stationary looking at you as you get quite close, cocking their eye at you, and then they will leap to safety. Will bite if caught.
Distribution:
Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong.
This one was shot a few years ago, but i love the curl of the tail.
Diet:
all kinds of insects....crickets, cicadas, beetles etc
Reproduction:
Breeds in spring....lays eggs in the soil in summer.
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