Classification:

• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Genus: Calotes

Comments:

1. 1. Calotes versicolor is commonly known as garden lizard or girgit and found in open fields and hedges.
2. 2. Body is slender, long measuring 35 cm in length and covered with imbricate epidermis horny scales.
3. 3. A crest of sharp spines is present on the dorsal surface of the neck and back.
4. 4. Body is divisible into head, neck, trunk and tail.
5. 5. Head bears mouth, eyes, nostrils and openings of external ear.
6. 6. Tail is extremely long and cylindrical and does not break.
7. 7. Tail acrodont and tongue short.
8. 8. During breeding season male acquires brilliant colors and gular pouch also develops in the neck.
9. 9. Viviparous.
10. 10. Calotes versicolor is found in India, Malaya islands, Afghanistan and southern China.

Source:

1. Practical Zoology Vertebrates by S.S.Lal 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma