Rhino-horned lizard

Appearance

The head of ''C. stoddartii'' is oval, and longer than wide. The rostral appendage is long, horn-like, about two thirds the length of the snout in males, but is reduced or even absent in females. The lamellae under the fourth toe number 23–27. The dorsum is brownish green or yellowish brown. The tail is marked with 10–16 dark brown crossbands. The venter is light brownish gray.

Naming

The specific name, ''stoddartii'', is in honor of Charles Stoddart, who was a British army officer and diplomat.

Distribution

''C. stoddartii'' is found widespread in montane forests of central Sri Lanka. Localities from which it has been recorded include Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala, Pattipola, Ohiya, Horton Plains, Hewaheta, Dimbula, Agarapathana, and Adam's Peak.

Habitat

''C. stoddartii'' is found widespread in montane forests of central Sri Lanka. Localities from which it has been recorded include Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala, Pattipola, Ohiya, Horton Plains, Hewaheta, Dimbula, Agarapathana, and Adam's Peak.A slow moving, arboreal species, ''C. stoddartii'' is found on trees from 1 to 2 m above the ground. When threatened, it opens its mouth wide, revealing the bright orange lining of the oral cavity.

Reproduction

A slow moving, arboreal species, ''C. stoddartii'' is found on trees from 1 to 2 m above the ground. When threatened, it opens its mouth wide, revealing the bright orange lining of the oral cavity.''C. stoddartii'' is oviparous. Egg laying takes place in July, and clutch size is about 2–5 eggs, each measuring 7.6-8.1 by 13.5–14.5 mm . The eggs are deposited in a hole, and hatch after 81–90 days. However, hatchlings have been founded in the wild also during colder months such as December and January.