[1][2] They are native to Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Ryukyu Islands (Japan), Vietnam, and Hainan (China).

They are diurnal and live in flat, open areas with loose soil, which allows them to construct long, interconnected burrows used for refuge.

[1] Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Leiolepis.

[3] In the South Central Coast region of Vietnam, especially in Ninh Thuan Province, Leiolepis is considered a delicacy for its nutritional value and can fetch high prices on the market.

In Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand, there is a traditional game called "yæ̂ lng rū" (แย้ลงรู; literally: "butterfly lizards hole down"[5]).