Calotes versicolor - Color Changing Lizard

Calotes versicolor, commonly known as the Garden Fence Lizard, is a color changing lizard. Calotes versicolor is widely distributed throughout S.E.Asia including Thailand. This color changing lizard can change color rapidly, varying between uniformly tan to grey with reddish markings.

Calotes versicolor can be easily identified by the 2 small spines above the tympanum but no spines behind the eyes. Very common in Thailand, Calotes versicolor can frequently be found in parks and gardens and on wasteland. We found our model in the grounds of Chiang Mai Zoo. It probably felt a lot safer there than out in the wilds of Chiang Mai.

The Garden Fence Lizard eats mainly insects but also other small animals and can grow to a length of about 40 cm including the tail. The female lays eggs once a year, usually just before the start of the Rainy Season. She makes a small hole in the ground using her front legs, lays 4-12 eggs in the hole and then closes up the hole and afterwards attempts to cover up all traces of her actions. All being well, the eggs will hatch in about 6 weeks. The hatchlings will measure about 5-7 cm in total.