Malayan Crested Lizard

Southeast Asia Lizards

Lizards ~ Agamids ~ Malayan Crested Lizard

The Malayan crested lizard (Gonocephalus grandis) is a common and widespread species across Southeast Asia, occuring in Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra (Indonesia) and Borneo. It gets its name from the impressive ribbon-like crests found among males. The Malayan crested lizard is also one of the largest angle-head species in Southeast Asia.

This lizard is diurnal and inhabits low to mid-level rainforest among shrubs and trees. It feeds on insects in the wild and enjoys perching on branches that hang over fast-flowing freshwater streams. It also has an attractive colouration of green to brown dotted with yellowish spots. Females have a less striking composition of colour and lack the large crests of males.