The common butterfly lizard (Leiolepis belliana ), or simply the butterfly lizard, is a widespread species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is native to Asia.

Animal name origin

The specific name, belliana, is in honor of English zoologist Thomas Bell.

Terrestrial

starts with

Appearance

L. belliana is known for the beautiful patterns on its back and sides. It has yellow spots on its back, and small orange and black lines on its sides.

Distribution

Geography

Continents

Asia

Countries

Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand

Biogeographical realms

Indomalayan

L. belliana can be found in the forests of Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

L. belliana lives on land that has been prepared for agricultural uses, as well as open sandy land along the coasts.

Biome

Diet and Nutrition

The butterfly lizard feeds on vegetation, crabs, grasshoppers, beetle larvae, butterflies, and other insects.

Mating Habits

L. belliana is monogamous, with a single adult pair inhabiting the same burrow, where 3-8 eggs are laid during hot, dry weather. This species also exhibits parental care of neonates, with neonates sharing their parents' burrow for a few months before digging their own burrow nearby.