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Mountain Horned Lizard: Unique Reptile with Fascinating Behaviors and Adaptations

In the dense forests of Southeast Asia, the Mountain Horned Lizard is a master of disguise. With its spiny head and scales designed for camouflage, this reptile moves silently through the foliage, waiting patiently for its next meal. Known for its incredible adaptations and unique behaviors, the Mountain Horned Lizard captivates not only scientists but reptile enthusiasts around the world.

Mountain Horned Lizard

The Arboreal Predator of Southeast Asia

The Mountain Horned Lizard is a fascinating species native to the dense forests and hillsides of Southeast Asia, including regions of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. This arboreal lizard is often found perched on branches or nestled among the low vegetation of its forest habitat. With its large eyes, sharp spines, and vibrant colors, it is well-equipped to blend into its surroundings and avoid predators. The Mountain Horned Lizard has adapted to its environment with remarkable features, making it a true survivor in the wild.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Subphylum	Vertebrata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Squamata
Suborder	Iguania
Family	Agamidae
Subfamily	Draconinae
Genus	Acanthosaura

Physical Characteristics: Adapted for Camouflage and Survival

The Mountain Horned Lizard is a medium-sized reptile, typically measuring between 10-12 inches in total length, with its tail sometimes longer than its body. The most striking feature is its spiny crest running along the back of the neck, resembling a crown or a “horn,” giving this lizard its name. Its coloring varies from olive brown to light green, providing effective camouflage against the forest floor or branches. These scales are not just for show; they help protect the lizard from predators and act as a deterrent.

Size: 10-12 inches long; tail length equals or exceeds body length
Color: Olive green to brown on the back, light brown, green, or reddish underside
Distinctive Features: Large eyes, spiny head, and dorsal spines
Lifespan: 5-8 years in captivity

The Mountain Horned Lizard’s adaptability and defensive features make it a formidable creature in its forest habitat.

Horned Mountain Lizard

Species

There are 11 species within the genus, some of which are A. armata, A. coronata, A. brachypoda, A. cardamomensis, A. capra, A. lepidogaster, and A. crucigera.

Quick Information

Other Names	Pricklenape agamas, Scale-bellied Tree Lizard, Brown Pricklenape
Size	10-12 inches; tail length is equal to or greater than its snout-to-vent length
Color	Olive green/brown back; light brown, green, or reddish underside
Distribution	Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Thailand, Malaysia, China (Yunnan, Hainan, Guangxi, Fujian)
Habitat	Dense canopies of primary forests, occasionally near streams; also lives in areas with low vegetation
Lifespan	5-8 years (in captivity)
Diet	Insectivorous reptiles; feeds on mealworms, silkworms, moths, grasshoppers, roaches, crickets, earthworms, wax worms, and moths; captive lizards are also provided with minnows, goldfish, and newborn mouse
Adaptations	Large spines on its nape are used to deter predators; when it feels threatened, it moves swiftly to evade the attacker; some species of horned lizards change colors to conceal themselves
Diseases	Metabolic bone disease, fungal dermatitis, diseases caused by parasites such as coccidia and pinworms, snout damage, egg binding, respiratory infections
Clutch	10-16 eggs
Incubation Period	140-190 days
Predators	Snakes, hawks, wolves, coyotes, roadrunners
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Diet and Hunting: Sit-and-Wait Strategy

As an insectivorous reptile, the Mountain Horned Lizard primarily feeds on insects like mealworms, silkworms, grasshoppers, and moths. The lizard uses a “sit-and-wait” strategy to hunt. It perches motionless on a branch, often two meters off the ground, patiently watching for prey below. When an insect comes within range, the Mountain Horned Lizard pounces, using its quick reflexes to capture it.

Diet Includes:

Insects: Mealworms, silkworms, moths, grasshoppers, crickets
Occasional Additions: Earthworms, roaches, minnows, and goldfish

Its patient hunting style and ability to stay motionless for long periods make it an expert ambusher, maximizing its energy efficiency while waiting for food to come within reach.

Mountain Horned Lizard Cage

Mountain Horned Dragon Pictures

Behavior: Territorial and Adaptable

The Mountain Horned Lizard is a territorial species, especially in the wild. It does not tolerate the presence of other males in its area and will defend its space aggressively. During courtship, males perform displays, extending their gular sacs and bobbing their heads to attract females. These reptiles are also quite active during the day, spending time in the trees and low vegetation, often basking in the sun or hiding to avoid larger predators.

Territorial Nature: Males aggressively defend their space
Courtship Displays: Male displays include extending their gular sacs and head-bobbing

This territorial behavior ensures that each lizard has access to the resources it needs to survive, including shelter, food, and mates.

Reproduction and Life Cycle: A Careful Mating Process

The Mountain Horned Lizard begins its breeding season in July, when males compete for the attention of females. Males perform a series of courtship rituals, including head-bobbing and showing off their colorful gular sacs. Once mating occurs, the female digs a burrow, laying a clutch of 10-16 eggs after a gestation period of about 4 months. The eggs incubate for 140-190 days, depending on environmental conditions.

Mating Season: Begins in July, males compete for mates
Clutch Size: 10-16 eggs per female
Incubation: 140-190 days

Hatchlings emerge at 2.5-3.5 inches in length and begin to grow rapidly. By 1.5 years, they reach sexual maturity, ready to begin the cycle again.

Baby Mountain Horned Lizard

Baby Mountain Horned Dragon

Life Cycle

The babies emerge from the eggs after the incubation period. The hatchlings measure 2.5-3.5 inches in length and weigh around 1-2 grams. The juvenile lizards grow, becoming sexually matured at about 1 ½ years of age.

Giant Horned Mountain Lizard

Conservation and Challenges: Protecting the Mountain Horned Lizard

The Mountain Horned Lizard is currently classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but it faces challenges in the wild. Habitat loss due to deforestation and the illegal pet trade threaten the species. In the wild, these lizards must contend with predators such as snakes, hawks, and other birds of prey. Additionally, they are susceptible to various diseases, including fungal dermatitis and metabolic bone disease, especially in captivity if not properly cared for.

Conservation Challenges:

Habitat Loss: Deforestation and land use change
Pet Trade: Harvesting for the exotic pet market
Health Issues: Diseases like fungal dermatitis and bone disease

Efforts to protect the Mountain Horned Lizard include habitat restoration, sustainable pet trade practices, and education on proper care for captive animals.

Mountain Horned Dragon

Interesting Facts

Acanthosaura capra is the most popular, easily kept, and the hardiest mountain horned lizard species encountered in the American pet trade.
Some Acanthosaura species such as capra change colors with mood. When stressed they get very dark, and when sleeping their body becomes yellowish.
These lizards are also known to hunt fish without submerging their heads.
Mountain horned lizards cannot tolerate extreme heat. In captivity, special care must be taken so that the air temperature within their terrarium remains around 80° F while the humidity should be 70-75 percent.

Mountain Horn Lizard

Mountain Horned Lizard Full Grown

Summary: A Fascinating Arboreal Lizard with Unique Traits

The Mountain Horned Lizard is a remarkable reptile, blending beauty, agility, and resourcefulness. From its territorial behavior to its unique hunting strategy, it continues to fascinate both scientists and reptile enthusiasts. While it faces challenges from habitat loss and illegal trade, the Mountain Horned Lizard remains a resilient survivor in its native habitats. With ongoing conservation efforts, we can ensure that this fascinating species continues to thrive in the wild.

References

Published on May 26th 2016 by admin under Coniferous Forest Animals.
Article was last reviewed on 10th December 2024.