The South African armadillo lizard, as its name suggests, is a species of lizard found in South Africa. When in danger, they hold their tails in their mouths, all their hard scales face the enemy to protect the soft part of their abdomens, and in this position roll quickly down the hillside and run away. This strange escape method is very similar to another strange mammal armadillo, hence the name. The following is a brief introduction to the popular science knowledge of South African armadillo lizards!

1. Basic information

[Chinese name] South African armadillo lizard

[Alias] armadillo lizard, armadillo thorn tail Lizard

[Latin scientific name] Cordylus cataphractus

[Kingdom] Animalia

[Gate] Chordate

[Class] Reptile Class

[Order] Squamata

[Family] Ring-tailed Lizardidae

[Genus] Ropes

[Species] ] Basilisk Lizard

2. Morphological characteristics

1. Body size: South African armadillo lizard is 75-90 mm in length, and the maximum can reach 105 mm. On the back of the head there are 6 large, conspicuously squamosal scales juxtaposed. The body and tail also have scales with obvious squamous bones arranged in bands. Among them, there are 15 scales on the body. Males have about 26-32 stock holes.

2. Special skills: Each tail vertebra of the South African armadillo lizard is divided into front and rear halves by a diaphragm. Strong muscle contraction can make the tail break off from there, and the broken tail beats vigorously and violently. In order to confuse the enemy's attention, the lizard took the opportunity to escape; later, it can regenerate a new tail, but it is shorter and lighter than the original tail, and it has only cartilage rods and no tail vertebrae. Tail docking is the first special ability of the South African armadillo lizard.

The second special ability of South African armadillo lizards is rolling and running. When in danger, they will hold their tails in their mouths and turn all their hard scales towards the enemy to protect their soft abdomens. part, they will even roll down the hillside quickly in this position and escape.

III. Living habits

1. Distribution: South African armadillo lizards are distributed in many areas in South Africa, and some scholars believe that they exist in Namibia , but still uncertain.

2. Habits: South African armadillo lizards are small diurnal lizards. Usually, families gather among the rock piles in the rocky desert area to inhabit. When encountering predators, they quickly rush into the rock crevices to hide. The armadillo lizards that cannot escape will hold their tails in their mouths and roll their bodies into a Spiny balls to protect the fragile abdomen, this self-protection is exactly the same as the armadillo.

3. Diet: South African armadillo lizards are insect-eating species, such as crickets, mealworms, barley worms, and live food in the general market.

The above is some little knowledge about the South African armadillo lizard. You are welcome to leave a message and discuss below. If you want to know more knowledge, you can continue to pay attention to this site~