This attractive lizard inhabits various forest habitats including dry deciduous, coastal, and moist evergreen. It can be spotted on tree trunks, often low down.
Its identifying features are the single spine above each eye, and twin spines above the typanum (external ear-drum). Patterning and colouration can include various shades of brown, green and grey. Males are generally darker during the breeding season. The fingers and toes are of great length.
The Forest Crested Lizard ranges from India through Burma, southern China and Thailand to northern Peninsular Malaysia.