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Sitana spinaecephalus

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Sitana spinaecephalus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Sitana
Species:
S. spinaecephalus
Binomial name
Sitana spinaecephalus
Deepak, Vyas, & Giri, 2016

Sitana spinaecephalus, the spiny-headed fan-throated lizard, is a species of agamid lizard. It is endemic to India.[2] It is found in scrublands and forests occurring in the west-central states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.[1]

Description

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S. spinaecephalus are medium sized lizards; males (48.5 ± 2.9), females (44.8 ± 4.2). The lizards are oviparous.[2]

Like the rest of the genus Sitana, It primarily feeds on arthropods. When disturbed, the male members of the species may trigger its dewlap to intimidate the predator, it may also use its dewlap for communication during the breeding season.[3]

Spiny-headed fan-throated lizard Sitana spinaecephalus by Ashahar alias Krishna Khan Amravati
Spiny-headed Fan-throated Lizard Sitana spinaecephalus. Photographed by Dr. Raju Kasambe near Dombivi, distt. Thane, Maharashtra.
Spiny-headed fan-throated lizard Sitana spinaecephalus by Ashahar alias Krishna Khan Amravati

References

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  1. ^ a b Vyas, R.; Srinivasulu, C.; Mohapatra, P.; Thakur, S. (2021). "Sitana spinaecephalus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T127902072A127902074. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T127902072A127902074.en. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  2. ^ a b Sitana spinaecephalus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 28 April 2021.
  3. ^ "Systematics and phylogeny of Sitana (Reptilia: Agamidae) of Peninsular India, with the description of one new genus and five new species". Contributions to Zoology. 85 (1). 2016. Retrieved 2024-06-10.