Leiolepis
Leiolepis, commonly known as butterfly lizards or butterfly agamas, are group of agamid lizards. They are native to Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Ryukyu Islands, Vietnam, and Hainan. The genus includes both sexual and asexual species. Leiolepis is the sole genus of subfamily Leiolepidinae.
Description and ecology
Leiolepis are moderately sized lizards with the largest snout-to-vent length of. Sexual species show sexual dimorphism. They are diurnal and live in flat, open areas with loose soil, which allows them to construct long, interconnected burrows used for refuge. They are omnivorous.Species
Ten species are recognized as being valid.- Sexual species:
- *L. belliana – common butterfly lizard
- *L. guttata – giant butterfly lizard, spotted butterfly lizard
- *L. ocellata – ocellated butterfly lizard
- *L. peguensis – Burmese butterfly lizard
- *L. reevesii – Chinese butterfly lizard, Reeves's butterfly lizard
- *L. rubritaeniata – Reeves's butterfly lizard
- *L. glaurung - Khorat Plateau Butterfly Lizard
- Asexual species:
- *L. boehmei – Böhme's butterfly lizard
- *L. guentherpetersi – Peters's butterfly lizard
- *L. ngovantrii – Ngo Van Tri's lady butterfly lizard
- *L. triploida – Thai butterfly lizard, Malayan butterfly lizard
Asexual species have arisen through hybridization of sexually-reproducing species.
Consumption
In the northeast region of Thailand it is popular to catch butterfly lizards and eat them. In the South Central Coast region of Vietnam, especially in Ninh Thuan Province, Leiolepis is considered a delicacy for its nutritional value and can fetch high prices on the market.Diet
Butterfly Agamas commonly feast on insects but can also eat fruitsand vegetables. In captivity their meals should be dusted with a vitamin D3 calcium.