Rhino Horned Lizard

The endemic to Sri Lanka, “Rhino Horned Lizard” (Ceratophora stoddartii) is found on moss-covered tree trunks widespread from the cloud forests and mountain forests of central hills as in Horton plains, Peak Wilderness, Hakgala and Namunukula. A slow moving, arboreal species, found on trees one or two meters above ground. Cypress trees are preferred and it is known to hunt for invertebrates on the ground. It feeds on insects, caterpillars and also earth worms when foraging on ground.

The body color is changeable from brownish green, yellowish brown and Olive green above, with more or less distinct brown cross bars on the back, sides and limbs; frequently a white mark behind the eye and another a narrow white stripe between eye and gape. Males of this relict genus carry elongated, rostral appendage white and often the upper lip and throat also; belly usually grayish, white or yellow; tail with light and dark annuli.