Small Dragon-Like Lizard Species Discovered in India

Indian scientists have scored a major coup after discovering a new species of lizard that looks like a 'little dragon' and belongs to the Agasthyagama family of lizards, which are mostly found in forests and swamps.

According to a paper published in Vertebrate Zoology, the Agasthyagama edge, also known as the northern kangaroo lizard, may resemble the mythical fire-breathing creatures of legends, but it is an elusive creature that has managed to elude human observation for centuries.

These small reptiles, about 4.3 centimetres long, had a striking feature that set them apart from other known species: a bright red and gold stripe surrounded by a beautiful array of blue scales along their throat.

The rest of the body is more evenly coloured, with a tan hue, a prominent pink stripe down the back and a bright orange spot on the tail in males. Females, on the other hand, are crimson with intense red markings and small black spots on their spines.

Both males and females have sharp, pointed faces and strong claws.

The northern kangaroo lizard shares similarities with other reptile species, but has unique characteristics such as a "reduced fifth toe", which affects its climbing ability.