Wildlifeof China
Chinese Crocodile Lizard
Other Lizards
Photo: Wilfried Berns, Aufgenommen mit einer Nikon Coolpix 5700 · CC BY-SA 2.0 de
Shinisaurus crocodilurus
Basic stats
Diet
Insects, worms, spiders, snails, shrimp, tadpoles, small fish and occasional frogs or lizards
Habitat
Clear streams in cool subtropical broadleaf evergreen forest
Range
Southeastern China and northeastern Vietnam
Clutch size
2–12 young
Incubation period
Gestation up to 9 months
Size
Approximately 40cm or more
The Chinese Crocodile Lizard is a semiaquatic anguimorph with green coloration, reddish areas around the neck, contrasting bands and rows of bony scales along its back and muscular tail. Adult males are larger and more colourful than females. Its crocodile-like tail and heavily ridged back are its most distinctive external features. (Wikipedia, general species account)
The species lives beside clear streams in cool evergreen forest in southeastern China and northeastern Vietnam. It waits on branches near water for insects, worms, spiders, aquatic invertebrates and small vertebrates. It gives birth to two to twelve developed young after gestation lasting up to nine months. The species is the only living member of the genus Shinisaurus. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Chinese Crocodile Lizard eat?
- Insects, worms, spiders, snails, shrimp, tadpoles, small fish and occasional frogs or lizards
- What habitat does the Chinese Crocodile Lizard live in?
- Clear streams in cool subtropical broadleaf evergreen forest
- Where is the Chinese Crocodile Lizard found?
- Southeastern China and northeastern Vietnam
- How many eggs does the Chinese Crocodile Lizard lay?
- 2–12 young
- How long are the eggs of the Chinese Crocodile Lizard incubated?
- Gestation up to 9 months
- How big is the Chinese Crocodile Lizard?
- Approximately 40cm or more