Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted a long time ago describing the little dragon I purchased at a local herp show. It isn't A. capra. It's smaller and spinier and has two sets of horns in addition to the crest on the nape of the neck. It is always this tan color, except when exposed to direct sunlight, or very excited. Then the ground color lightens to almost white, the legs, crest and spine darken to chocolate, and the crescent shaped marking appear on the flanks. The dealer told me that he had two of them and the other one was larger, more dominant, and was green(er). Mine has never shown any green except maybe some olive on his legs.

Since the spines are so long, I'm guessing this is an armata. What do you all think? Also, any guesses as to sex? The base of the tail has a swelling, and based on the Japaluras I've kept, I'm guessing "he's" a male. But you guys are the experts.

Thanks a bunch!

Lisa

thanks

Lisa,

did you see my post with photos a little bit down? If not take a look at forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=479439,484125 and compare. What you have looks very much like A. armata. In fact, I don't know of any other Acanthosaura species that fits the image. Even my female will show some green at times but with as much variation as there is in A. capra and as much are I believe we are seeing int A. lepidogaster I would have to believe there would be a variation in all of the subs.

Nice looking aniaml. I can't tell about the tail base from the pic but have to admit that I am having problems telling my two apart. I am guessing sex based on color and pattern on my pair.

Thanks for sharing the nice pics.
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Marcia - FroggieB Dragons
www.froggieb.com/MHDHome.html

groups.yahoo.com/group/agamid/join
(click the link to join the agamid group on yahoo)

I agree with Froggie.
Looks like armata.

Ci@o

Ingo

Thanks to you both for confirming the species....

He's a very cool critter.

There must be a good bit of variation in temperament too, because this guy doesn't mind being handled, either. He'll hop away a few times before finally allowing himself to be brought out of the cage, but he calms nicely once he's out. You can even "pet" him, he'll gape at first, but then relaxes and looks around, that big golden eye focusing in to make sure you're 'ok'. After a few minutes, he'll always run up my arm, clamber into my hair up to the top of my head and sit there contentedly as long as I'll let him.

I'll try and get some pics when he does his color change for a comparison. He doesn't change color often, and it hasn't been sunny enough here lately to bring out his colors.

Lisa

Hello everyone:
You don't see this species very often. I believe it is A. armata also, and a very healthy looking one at that. Even though it is hard to tell from the picture it kind of looks like a female.
Have a Great Day!!!