C. maria is found in Northeast India (Khasi Hills in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram)[1][3] and in Bhutan.

The male develops a brilliant red colour in its head during the breeding season.

[6] C. maria occurs in forests, generally close to streams, at elevations of 122–1,500 m (400–4,921 ft) above sea level.

[3] Like other lizards, it is also polygynandrous and promiscuous and both the male and the female mate with several partners.

[8] Despite its relatively small range, C. maria has been assessed as of "least concern" – it is facing no major threats affecting and is present in well-protected areas (Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan, and the adjacent Manas National Park, Assam; Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Mizoram).