Family Agamidae
The Earless Agamid (Aphaniotis fusca) is not common in Singapore, being found only in forests. It is mostly brown with no obvious external ear, hence the name.
Malaysia ©Tan KH
The Green Crested Lizard (Bronchocela cristatella) used to be a common lizard in Singapore. However, since the introduction of the alien Changeable Lizard, this species has been pushed into more wooded areas. It looks similar to the Changeable Lizard but is bright green in colour.
Bt Batok Nature Park ©Eddy Lee
Lower Peirce (left). Kranji Marsh (right) ©Tan KH
Sungei Buloh ©Tan KH
The Changeable Lizard (Calotes versicolor) is the most common lizard one would encounter in parks and gardens. It is however not native. It has taken over the niche of the native Green Crested Lizard, forcing the latter into more wooded areas. They are greenish to brownish, but the head and upper body of the males would turn orange and the throat black during the breeding season.
Botanic Gardens ©Lau SY
Admiralty Park. Lorong Halus ©Tan KH
Flying Lizards are more correctly known as Gliding Lizards because they do not really fly but they glide. They do so by opening the flaps of skin between the legs and jumping off a high vantage point. They also have a flap of throat skin, which is used for communication and courtship. There are 3 confirmed species in Singapore.
The Black-bearded Flying Lizard (Draco melanopogon) is greenish in colour and has a black throat skin.
©Tan GC. Lower Peirce ©Lau SY
Lower Peirce ©Danny Lau
The Five-banded Flying Lizard (Draco quinquefasciatus) has five bands across the body.
Lower Peirce ©David Tan
The Common Flying Lizard (Draco sumatranus) has a yellow throat skin and a few rufous patterns on the back. It is also know as the Sumatran Gliding Lizard. It used to be called Draco volans.
Displaying. NTU ©Eddy Lee
Botanic Gardens. Pasir Ris Park ©Tan KH
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