A small and intriguing reptile found in the highland forests of Sri Lanka. It gets its name from the distinctive horn-like projection on its snout, which resembles the horn of a rhinoceros.

The horn on this lizard’s snout is made of soft, flexible tissue rather than hard bone. While the exact purpose of the horn is not fully understood, it is believed to play a role in communication between lizards, especially during the breeding season. The horn may also help the lizards recognize each other or could be used to attract mates. Unlike many other animals with horns, the rhino-horned lizard’s horn is not used for defense or fighting.

This lizard has a stocky body covered in rough, textured scales that provide excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. The lizard’s coloration is typically a mix of browns, greens, and grays, which helps it blend in with the moss, leaves, and bark of the forest floor. This camouflage is crucial for avoiding predators, such as birds and larger reptiles.

The rhino-horned lizard is an insectivore, meaning it primarily eats insects. Its diet includes ants, beetles, and other small invertebrates that it finds on the forest floor. The lizard has a fast, sticky tongue that it uses to capture its prey quickly and efficiently. Despite its small size, the rhino-horned lizard is an effective hunter, relying on its keen eyesight and quick reflexes to catch food.

One of the most interesting aspects of the rhino-horned lizard is its behavior. This lizard is shy and reclusive, often hiding under leaves or among rocks to avoid being seen. It is most active during the early morning and late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler. During the hotter parts of the day, the lizard often stays hidden to avoid overheating.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Sri Lanka

2019