Leiolepis, commonly known as butterfly lizards or butterfly agamas (), are group of agamid lizards. 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. Leiolepis is the sole genus of subfamily Leiolepidinae.
Description and ecology Leiolepis are moderately sized lizards with the largest snout-to-vent length of . 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.
Species Ten species are recognized as being valid.
Sexual species: L. belliana – common butterfly lizard L. guttata – giant butterfly lizard, spotted butterfly lizard L. ocellata – ocellated butterfly lizard L. peguensis – Burmese butterfly lizard L. reevesii – Chinese butterfly lizard, Reeves's butterfly lizard L. rubritaeniata – Reeves's butterfly lizard L. glaurung - Khorat Plateau Butterfly Lizard Asexual species: L. boehmei – Böhme's butterfly lizard L. guentherpetersi – Peters's butterfly lizard L. ngovantrii – Ngo Van Tri's lady butterfly lizard L. triploida – 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.
Consumption In the northeast region of Thailand it is popular to catch butterfly lizards and eat them. 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.
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").
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