
Fan-throated Dragon
Before 2016 every Fan-throated Lizard was considered as Sitana ponticeriana, but Deepak et. al. 2016, Systematic revision of genus Sitana cleared everything we knew about Fan-throated lizards. Sitana ponticeriana was shown only in southern parts of India, while similar looking Fan-throated Lizard having spiny head became 'sitana spinaecephalus' meaning Spiny-headed Fan-throated Lizard...
The fan-like structure made by them by inflating their throat skin is colourless/pale cream coloured compared to other species (now under the genus Sarada) showing vibrant hues of red and blue, but equally fascinating. I witnessed many individuals of Spiny-headed Fan-throated Lizards in my study tour to Western-central India and unfortunately missed clicking many moments of them displaying their fans (Still, I have a glimpse in a video which I will post soon).
They look so amazing when they escape life-threatening situation by running on their hind-limbs and it reminds you of those tiny dinosaurs from The Jurassic Park... Here am presenting you a male of Spiny-headed Fan-throated Lizard staying still to get camouflage on ground (they are pretty good at this as well, and dont judge their camouflage ability by this close-up am sharing)
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