
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


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

Scientific Classification

Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dragons Genus
Japalures Species
Taiwan japalure