Species of Thailand
Forest crested lizard
Calotes emma, John Edward Gray, 1845
(In Thai: กิ้งก่าแก้วใต้)
Emma Gray's forest lizard (Calotes emma) is an agamid lizard found in China, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Etymology
The specific name, emma, is in honor of English conchologist Maria Emma Gray, the wife of John Edward Gray, the describer of this species.
Description/Identification
Physical Structure: Three small groups of spines, completely separate from each other, on each side of the head—one behind the superciliary margin and two above each tympanum. Dorsal crest well developed on the neck and on the anterior part of the trunk, gradually disappearing behind. A transverse fold in front of each shoulder; gular sac but little developed. Tail compressed. About fifty-one series of scales round the middle of the trunk.
Color Pattern: Brownish olive, with brown bands across the back, which arc lighter in the middle and interrupted by a white band running along each side of the back; eyelids with short, radiating brown streaks; a brown band from behind the eye to above the tympanum; fold before the shoulder black, with an irregular white margin; legs and tail with indistinct dark cross bands.
Length: Maximum: 40 cm., Common: 28 cm. (Snout to vent 7.5 cm.).
Maximum published weight: ? g.
Distribution
Bangladesh (Satchari National Park), Cambodia, China (Guangdong, Yunnan), India (Assam), Laos, Malaysia (Peninsular), Myanmar, Thailand (including Phuket) & Vietnam (including Pulo Condore Islands) and Possibly in Bhutan.
An inhabitant of Mergui, whence have received it from Professor Oldham, ranging northwards perhaps to the Khasya Hills; extremely doubtful as an inhabitant of Afghanistan. Mr. Blyth mentions it amongst a collection made by Captain Bedmore at Schwe Gyen on the Sitang River in Pegu.
Vernacular names
Bengali: কেশর গিরিগিটি, ঝুঁটি গিরিগিটি, ঝুঁটি রক্তচোষা, যুথিয়াল গিরিগিটি (Juthial girigiti),
English: Crested forest lizard, Emma Gray’s crested forest lizard, Emma Gray's forest lizard and Spiny-headed forest lizard.
Habitat
Terrestrial and arboreal; diurnal; inhabits various forest habitats including dry deciduous, coastal, and moist evergreen.
Diet
Feeds on cricktets, grasshoppers, moths, cockroaches etc.
Reproduction
Oviparous; lays 10-12 eggs in May-June; incubation period about 60-70 days.
Human uses
Used in pet trade. Play rolls in echo-system by eating various types of insects and otherwise.
Threat to humans
Non-venomous and completely harmless to humans.
IUCN threat status
Not evaluated (NE).
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Site notes
This species is easily mixed with Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor). Key characterictics for this species is spines above the eyes and black stripes in front of the shoulders.
Scientific classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Suborder
- Lacertilia
- Family
- Agamidae
- Genus
- Calotes
- Species
- Calotes emma
Common names
- German:
- Emmas Schönechse
- Hinterindische schönechse
- English:
- Emma Gray's forest lizard
- Crested forest lizard
- Forest garden lizard
- Thai:
- กิ้งก่าแก้วใต้
- กิ้งก่าแก้วเหนือ (C. e. alticristatus)
Subspecies
Calotes emma alticristatus, Karl Patterson Schmidt, 1925
Range: North Thailand, South China (Yunnan)
Calotes emma emma, John Edward Gray, 1845
Range: Peninsular Thailand South to Perak in Malaysia
Photos
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Range Map

- Ban Bueng District, Chonburi
- Bang Lang National Park
- Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Chiang Khan District, Loei
- Doi Lang
- Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park
- Doi Phu Kha National Park
- Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary
- Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kaeng Krachan National Park
- Kapo Waterfall Forest Park
- Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary
- Khao Khitchakut District, Chanthaburi
- Khao Khitchakut National Park
- Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park
- Khao Luang National Park
- Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
- Khao Phra - Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary
- Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary
- Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Khao Sok National Park
- Khao Yai Da
- Khao Yai National Park
- Khlong Bang Yai Forest Park
- Khlong Nakha Wildlife Sanctuary
- Khun Nan National Park
- Khura Buri District, Phang Nga
- Ko Chang District, Trat
- Ko Lanta National Park
- Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
- Ko Yao District, Phang Nga
- Kui Buri National Park
- Lam Nam Kra Buri National Park
- Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai
- Mueang Krabi District, Krabi
- Mueang Phang Nga District, Phang Nga
- Mueang Ranong District, Ranong
- Na Yong District, Trang
- Namtok Sam Lan National Park
- Phu Chi Fa Forest Park
- Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Phu Suan Sai National Park
- Raman Waterfall Forest Park
- Sri Nakarin Dam National Park
- Sri Phang-nga National Park
- Taksin Maharat National Park
- Takua Pa District, Phang Nga
- Tarutao National Marine Park
- Tat Mok National Park
- Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi
- Thalang District, Phuket
- Thale Ban National Park
- Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ton Nga-Chang Wildlife Sanctuary
- Umphang District, Tak