00:00Have you ever seen a lizard in your garden that looks like a miniature dragon with a bright
00:06red head?
00:07Many people call it the bloodsucker lizard and its scary name has given rise to a lot
00:14of myths.
00:14But is this reptile actually dangerous or is it just putting on a brilliant show?
00:21Today we are diving into the secret life of the oriental garden lizard, biological known
00:27as Calatace or C color, also widely known as the changeable lizard.
00:33This creature is one of the most common yet misunderstood reptile you will ever find around
00:39your home.
00:40Let's uncover the truth behind its changing color and unique habits.
00:45First, let's clear up the biggest misconception about this reptile.
00:49The name bloodsucker sounds terrifying, but it is completely misleading.
00:54These lizards do not suck blood from humans or animals at all.
00:59In fact, they do not even have the ability to do so.
01:03The nickname comes entirely from the traumatic appearance of the male lizards during the breeding
01:09season.
01:10To attract a mate or warn off other males, the male lizard thought and had done a striking
01:16fiery red color.
01:18Because of this sudden transformation, people long ago mistakenly believed the lizard was
01:24full of blood.
01:25But in reality, it is just a natural display of color and these reptiles are entirely harmless
01:32to humans.
01:34There is a good reason why this creature is also called the changeable lizard.
01:39Much like a chameleon, it can alter its body coloration based on its mood, the weather,
01:45and its surroundings.
01:47Usually, these lizards are a plain grayish brown or olive color, which helps them blend
01:53perfectly into the tree bark and dry leaves.
01:56However, during a fight with a rival or when basking under the warm morning sun, they can
02:02shift their color significantly.
02:04They can display hues of bright yellow, deep black, and vibrant orange.
02:10This incredible ability is controlled by specialized cells in their skin, helping them regulate body
02:18temperature and communicate with other lizards nearby.
02:22When it comes to survival, the oriental garden lizard is a master hunter.
02:27They primarily eat insects, including grasshoppers, ants, beetles, and crickets.
02:33Occasionally, a large adult lizard might even hunt small frogs or nestling birds.
02:40But insects remain their favorite meal.
02:43Instead of actively chasing down their prey, these lizards prefer a sit-and-wip strategy.
02:49They will sit completely still on a branch fence or a wall, keeping a sharp eye on their surroundings.
02:56The moment an insect crawls to close the lizard's lungs forward with lightning speed and grabs
03:02the target with its strong jaws.
03:05Because they eat massive amounts of birds every single day, oriental garden lizards act as
03:11an excellent natural pest controllers.
03:14They keep the insect population in check, protecting garden plants and crops from being destroyed
03:21by pets.
03:22Instead of fearing them, having these little reptiles around your backyard is actually a
03:28sign of a healthy thriving ecosystem.
03:30They do their job quietly and efficiently without bothering humans.
03:35So, the next time you spot an oriental garden lizard showing off its bright red head,
03:41you don't need to run away.
03:43It is not a dangerous bloodsucker.
03:45It is just a fascinating, color-changing reptile trying to protect its territory.
03:51If you enjoy learning about the amazing changeable lizard, make sure to hit that like button.
03:56Leave a comment with your thoughts and subscribe to the channel for more incredible nature and
04:02wildlife sighting.
04:03See you in the next video.
04:04Thanks for watching.
04:05Thanks for watching.
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