Scientific name
Psammophilus blanfordanus
Alternate names
New Guinea bockadam, South Asian bockadam, Bockadam snake
Order
Squamata
Family
Agamidae
IUCN Read List Category
Least Concern
Distinguishing Morphological Features
P. blanfordanus has a deep fold on the front of the humerus. The dorsal scales appear keeled and imbricated. When the hind leg is stretched forward and held along the body, it reaches the eye or extends beyond it. Young lizards are olive-brown above, spotted or marbled with brown very similar to
the female, but often have a series of large, lozenge-shaped, dark brown
spots with pale centres on the back and tail.
Biology
This diurnal, arboreal species occurs in a variety of habitats ranging from evergreen, semi evergreen hill forest, tropical dry deciduous forests,
plantations, and human modified environments, generally with at least some
standing forest. It can even be found in urban areas, where it has been found
in houses. It feeds on frogs, lizards and smaller birds and bats.
Locality
Not available
Distribution
Oviparous. P. blanfordanus is found mainly on rocks. The male displays by head nodding. In the summer breeding season, the head and anterior part of
the body of the males become scarlet or red while the posterior parts are
nearly black.
