Taiwan japalure
A species of Japalures, Also known as Swinhoe's lizard, Bamboo tiger Scientific name : Japalura swinhonis Genus : Japalures
Taiwan japalure, A species of Japalures
Also known as:
Swinhoe's lizard, Bamboo tiger
Scientific name: Japalura swinhonis
Genus: Japalures
Content
Description General Info
Photo By StingrayPhil , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The total length of Diploderma swinhonis reaches 31 cm (12 in). The body is 8 cm (3.1 in) long. The back is brown. The dewlap is black with white spots and intensifies when aroused. Diploderma swinhonis is sexually dimorphic. Males have a brighter color than females, have a yellow stripe on each side of the body and are larger. The inside of the mouth is greyish-white or black.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
The dietary habits of taiwan japalure mainly revolve around small invertebrates. This species shows a strong preference for consuming insects, particularly beetles and spiders, supplementing its diet with smaller quantities of worms and ants.
Appearance
Taiwan japalure is a small-medium sized lizard, with elongated bodies and tail. Their skin is covered in small, keeled scales, an adaptation for tree living. Most have a primary color of vibrant yellow-green transitioning into bright blue, often with bold black stripes. Males typically have larger and flatter heads, exhibiting greater color intensity compared to females. Their stretched-looking bodies vividly contrast with their extremely long tails.
Behavior
Taiwan japalure is a diurnal, arboreal species, primarily solitary except during breeding season. This animal is territorial, marking its space by basking visibly. It mainly feeds on arthropods, exhibiting a sit-and-wait hunting strategy. Remarkably, taiwan japalure change their skin color for communication and camouflage, key for survival in their natural forest habitat.
Population
Stable
Photo By StingrayPhil , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dragons Genus
Japalures Species
Taiwan japalure