Calotes

a genus of lizards of the family Agamidae. The body length in most species does not exceed 40 cm, although in some it may attain 60 cm. The members of this genus have a serrated crest of enlarged scales along the spine. There are about 30 species, occurring in south Asia, including the Malay Archipelago. They are diurnal, spending most of their time in trees and shrubs. They feed chiefly on insects and are able to change color rapidly and sharply. Among the more common species is C. versicolor; during the reproductive period the head and neck of the male as he sits in the sun turn yellow, the trunk becomes red with black spots, and the legs and tail turn black, causing him to appear suffused with blood, hence the Russian common name krovosos (bloodsucker).