Editorial photo #13961643 Human Interest

Baby Oriental Garden Lizards On The Marigold Flower - Animal India

A baby Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor) sits on a marigold flower in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on July 12, 2026. The lizard, which weighs under 5g and measures just a few inches, uses bright petals as ambush points to hunt tiny insects like aphids, ants, and flies. The species serves as a natural pest control by eating insects and caterpillars, helping to protect plants. They consume caterpillars, ants, and beetles. Their presence indicates a healthy garden ecosystem. As diurnal creatures, they use flowers to sunbathe and regulate their temperature. A small butterfly is seen landing on the flower to feed on the nectar. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)