Hump Snout Lizard

The hump snout lizard, or hump-nosed lizard, is the largest agamid endemic to Sri Lanka and the only member of its genus. It lives in the wet lowlands and mid-hills, from about 25 m up to roughly 1,650 m. The body is compressed from side to side and adults have a bony arch or hump on the head. The male is bright green with a yellow throat pouch and neck sail, while females are usually brown, especially when a male is near, and juveniles are brown (Wikipedia, general species account).

It inhabits forest with high canopy and dense undergrowth and sometimes enters home gardens. It is active by day, low on trees and on the ground, and climbs higher to sleep. Its threat posture is an open-mouth gape showing the bright red mouth lining, and it may feign death when picked up. It eats mainly earthworms and arthropods including termites, butterflies and moths. It is easily seen at Pitadeniya in Sinharaja. Nationally Vulnerable (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).