Armadillo Lizard

The Armadillo Lizard (Cordylus cataphractus) is a lizard endemic to desert areas of southern Africa. It is also known as the Typical Girdled Lizard", Armadillo Girdled Lizard, Golden Armadillo Lizard, and Armadillo Spiny-tailed Lizard.

Description

The Armadillo Lizard can be a light brown to dark brown in coloration depending on the subspecies. The underbelly is yellow with a blackish pattern, especially under the chin. Its size ranges from 16 to 21 cm (6½ to 8½ in) in length. It grows up to 10.5 centimeters snout-to-vent length.

The Armadillo Lizard is a relatively common lizard in the pet trade. It can be found in pet stores and it is quite easy to breed in captivity. Wild populations are threatened by collecting for sale in the pet trade.

Habitat and Distribution

The natural habitat of this lizard is scrub and rocky outcrops. It is diurnal. It hides in rock cracks and crevices. It lives in social groups of up to 30 Males are territorial, protecting a territory and mating with the females living there. live young; the species is one of the few lizards that does not lay eggs. The female may even feed her young, which is also unusual for a lizard.

Diet

The Armadillo Lizard lives mainly on small......
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