Vivariums;reptiles;Agamid;Lyriocephalus

Lyriocephalus :

Lyriocephalus

Lyriocephalus scutatus – LINNAEUS, 1758 :

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaLyriocephalus scutatus is a species of lizard within the agamid family, the only species in the genus Lyriocephalus. It is the largest agamid endemic to Sri Lanka[2] and lives in dense wet zone forests.[3] It is also called the Hump-nosed Lizard, Hump Snout Lizard or the Lyreshead Lizard. In Sinhalese language, it is known as "Kandukara Bodilima - කදුකර බෝදිලිමා."

Video :

Conservation status :

Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)[1]

Scientific classification:

Kingdom:Animalia

Phylum:Chordata

Subphylum:Vertebrata

Class:Reptilia

Order:Squamata

Suborder:Iguania

Family:Agamidae

Subfamily:Draconinae

Genus:Lyriocephalus
Merrem, 1820

Species:L. scutatus

Binomial name:

Lyriocephalus scutatus
(Linnaeus, 1758)

Habitat & Distribution :

A large agamid lizard, widespread in the wet lowlands and the midhills, from 25m up to elevation of 1650m. A number of localities are known, such as Ratnapura, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, Gannoruwa, Gammaduwa, Hanthana, Mathugama, Knuckles Mountain Range, Adam's Peak, Gampola, Kandy and Sinharaja Rain Forest.

Description :

Body is laterally compressed. Pair of small spines present at back of the head. Dorso-nuchal crest developed. Forehead scales keeled. A distinct bony arch appear on the head of adults. Tympanum absent. A V-shaped gular sac present. Large, keeled gular scales can be seen. Tail is short and compressed with a blunt tip. Dorsum is light green. Throat yellow. Rest of the venter is cream colored.

Ecology & Diet :

Inhabited in forests with high canopy, it also enters home gardens, and is found on low trees as well as on the ground. Active at day, it ascending higher reaches of trees to sleep at night. The typical threat posture is open-mouth gape, revealing the bright red lining of the oral cavity. This species is also known to feign death when picked up. Diet comprises essentially of earthworms and also arthropods, including termites, butterflies, and moths. Young shoots and buds are also known to feed.

Reproduction :

About 1-11 eggs with measuring 12-13 * 20-22mm per clutch are produced in the months of January, March, May, June, September, October, and December. Eggs are buried after laid in the soil, sometimes under bushes. Incubation period lasts 35 days.

Pictures :

For the external links , refrences click here to read the full wikipedia article

Lyriocephalus scutatus in situ

Other websites :

- Pdf : www.redlist-arc.org/Article-PDFs/ARC_5(2)_101-113_e56_low_res.pdf

- www.iucnredlist.org/details/170409/0

- reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Lyriocephalus&species=scutatus

- tropicalherping.com/photography/lyriocephalus_scutatus.html

- www.reptilesmagazine.com/Field-Herping/Sri-Lanka-Reptiles/

More Pictures : imgur.com/gallery/DhR6T

- animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lyriocephalus_scutatus/classification/

courtesy to : www.reptile-care.de/species/Iguania/Agamidae/Lyriocephalus-scutatus.html

Lyriocephalus scutatus: Adult male • Adultes Männchen
© Lutz Obelgönner

Lyrehead Lizard :

Description :
Named after Latin legionary word scutatus = equipped with a long shield, which refers to the shape of the head. Pug nose Males have a striking yellow throat pouch and neck sail. Females can be green and yellow, too, but rarely show this coloration in presence of a male. Normally they are brown. For a long time this kind of what is thought to be keepable but not breedable. Problem might have been the origin of the varnish of UV lighting and balanced enriched food. By now captive-bred animals are available from time to time. Needs special care, not for beginners.

Protection :
none

Adult Size :
25-32 cm

Lifespan :
unknown

Distribution:
Sri Lanka

Habitat :
cool forests in mountainous regions

Captive Care :
Rainforest terrarium at least 150x70x100 cm WDH. Temperature 22-28 ° C daytime, night temperature 18-21 ° C, humidity 70-90%. Daylight fluorescent lamps or LEDs, HQL or HQI spot, waterbowl, spraying system, dense planting, some thicker stems, mount them upright, thick layer of substrate.

Food :
predominantly earthworms, all kinds of insects and larvae, slugs, minerals / vitamins (e. G. Herpetal Complete)

Reproduction and Rearing :
Pairs, but no groups possible. Dominant males build large territories, females do not tolerate others. Sexual maturity with 10-12 months. 2-5 clutches per year with 8-15 eggs. Incubation at 25 ° C for 140-150 days. Raise hatchlings separately or in very small groups and large cages, otherwise they will suffer from the stress. Prone to deficiency problems, give lots of vitamins and minerals.

Literature / Literatur:
Bartelt, U. (2003). Anmerkungen zur Haltung und Nachzucht der Lyrakopfagame, Lyriocephalus scutatus (Linnaeus 1758). Draco 4 (14): 64–693. NTV, Münster.
Bartelt, U. & H. de Bitter & M. de Bitter (2005). Die Lyrakopfagame (Lyriocephalus scutatus). Reptilia 10 (1): 41–49. NTV, Münster.
Bartelt, U. & H. de Bitter & M. de Bitter (2005). Lyriocephalus scutatus – The Lyrehead Lizard. Reptilia (English Edition) 42: 29–36. Barcelona.
Kiehlmann, Dieter (1980). Über die Lyrakopfagame, Lyriocephalus scutatus (Linnaeus 1758). herpetofauna 2 (8): 12–20. herpetofauna Verlag, Weinheim.

Lyriocephalus scutatus: Adult female • Adultes Männchen
© Lutz Obelgönner