Identification:
This lizard species is small, with a tail six times the length of the body. Body length ranges from 30-60 mm, while tail length is 160-180 mm. The snout is pointed, with a broad rostral plate. Two frontal plates on the head contact each other; these plates are wider and shorter than the prefrontal plates. The parietal plate is large, clearly separated by the interparietal plate and a smaller occipital plate. 2-3 temporal plates touch the parietal plate. The scales in the temporal region are prominently keeled. There are three pairs of chin shields.
The body has six rows of longitudinal, keeled scales, four rows of which extend to the tail. Lateral scales are small. There are 12 rows of broad, keeled scales on the belly. 26 scales are present from the shoulder crease to the groin. The anal plate is large, with two smaller scales on either side. Both males and females possess one femoral pore on each side. The upper lip has 6-8 scale plates, and the lower lip has 5-8 scale plates on each side.
Body coloration varies from grayish-blue to grayish-brown, with a darker head. The chin and throat are off-white to slightly yellowish. The dorsal surfaces of the limbs and the posterior portion of the tail base are pale gray. Males exhibit a narrow grayish-white stripe that extends from the posterior corner of the parietal plate to the middle of the body, fading towards the tail. Small, oval, grayish-white spots arranged in longitudinal rows are present from the shoulder to the groin.
Biology and Ecology:
This species is a reptile of grassy areas. Its camouflage is effective; its appearance, pattern, and color blend with dry grass. The long tail helps it maintain balance when climbing or moving quickly through dense, tall grass, intertwined grass, or small bamboo branches. It is agile in sunny conditions and inhabits elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Females lay 2 or 3 eggs on the ground, usually at the base of grass clumps or other plants. Their primary food source is known to be ground-dwelling insects.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Vinh Phu (Dai Dinh, Kha Cuu, My Luong, Tam Dao, Xuan Son), Hoa Binh (An Lac, Thuong Tien, Tu Ly), Ha Bac, Ninh Binh (Cuc Phuong), Kontum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Song Be, Dong Nai (Cat Tien, Bien Hoa)
- Worldwide: Distributed throughout Southeast Asia and beyond, from Assam to Hong Kong, India, Taiwan, China, to the islands of Sumatra, Java, and Borneo.