Leiolepis

Leiolepis, commonly known as butterfly lizards or butterfly agamas (Template:Langx), are group of agamid lizards.<ref name=RDB/><ref name="GG2010" /> They are native to Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Ryukyu Islands (Japan), Vietnam, and Hainan (China). The genus includes both sexual and asexual species.<ref name="GG2010" /> Leiolepis is the sole genus of subfamily Leiolepidinae.

Description and ecology

Leiolepis are moderately sized lizards with the largest snout-to-vent length of Template:Convert. Sexual species show sexual dimorphism. They are diurnal and live in flat, open areas with loose soil, which allows them to construct long, interconnected burrows used for refuge. They are omnivorous.<ref name="GG2010" />

Species

Ten species are recognized as being valid.<ref name=RDB/>

• Sexual species:
  • L. belliana Template:Small – common butterfly lizard
  • L. guttata Template:Small – giant butterfly lizard, spotted butterfly lizard
  • L. ocellata Template:Small – ocellated butterfly lizard
  • L. peguensis Template:Small – Burmese butterfly lizard
  • L. reevesii Template:Small – Chinese butterfly lizard, Reeves's butterfly lizard
  • L. rubritaeniata Template:Small – Reeves's butterfly lizard
  • L. glaurung Template:Small - Khorat Plateau Butterfly Lizard
• Asexual species:
  • L. boehmei Template:Small – Böhme's butterfly lizard
  • L. guentherpetersi Template:Small – Peters's butterfly lizard
  • L. ngovantrii Template:Small – Ngo Van Tri's lady butterfly lizard<ref name="GG2010"/>
  • L. triploida Template:Small – Thai butterfly lizard, Malayan butterfly lizard

Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Leiolepis.

Asexual species have arisen through hybridization of sexually-reproducing species.<ref name="GG2010"/>

Consumption

In the northeast region of Thailand it is popular to catch butterfly lizards and eat them.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the South Central Coast region of Vietnam, especially in Ninh Thuan Province, Leiolepis is considered a delicacy for its nutritional value and can fetch high prices on the market.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Diet

Butterfly Agamas commonly feast on insects (Worms, roaches, crickets, grasshoppers, larvae, beetles, moths) but can also eat fruits (Watermelon, apple, mango, papaya, dates, peaches, apricot) and vegetables (Collard greens, beet greens, mustard greens, broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, green bean). In captivity their meals should be dusted with a vitamin D3 calcium.

Relationship to humans

Captivity

Butterfly lizards can commonly be found in the pet trade. Not much is known about their breeding or raising their babies so most of the ones found in the pet trade are wild caught.

Traditional game

In Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand, there is a traditional game called "yæ̂ lng rū" (แย้ลงรู; literally: "butterfly lizards hole down"<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>).