Pethiyagoda’s crestless lizard

Calotes pethiyagodai, commonly known as Pethiyagoda’s crestless lizard, is a small agamid lizard endemic to Sri Lanka, found only in the Knuckles Mountain Range. It occurs at elevations of about 900–1400 m, mainly along forest edges where it lives on trees and shrubs. This species was named in honour of Rohan Pethiyagoda for his important contributions to Sri Lanka’s biodiversity. It was once confused with Calotes liocephalus, but later studies confirmed it as a separate species, mainly because the males lack a gular pouch and show differences in scalation. This lizard is an arboreal and insect-eating species, feeding on prey such as dragonflies, moths, and other small insects. It is usually seen perched quietly on vegetation, blending well with its surroundings. Like many montane reptiles in Sri Lanka, it has a restricted distribution, making it important for conservation. Its presence in the Knuckles region highlights the unique and highly localized biodiversity found in Sri Lanka’s central highlands.