The armadillo lizard is a very timid lizard. When it encounters danger, it will hold its tail in its mouth, and then shrink into a ball, roll down the hillside quickly in this posture, and run away. The way of escape is very similar to that of armadillos, hence the name armadillo lizard.

I. Basic information

[Chinese name] Armadillo lizard

[Scientific name] Cordylus cataphractus

[Another name] South African armadillo lizard, armadillo spiny-tailed lizard

[Kingdom] Animalia

[Gate] Chordate

[Class] Reptile Class

[Order] Squamata

[Family] Ring-tailed lizard family

[Genus] Rope lizard

[Name] Who and time] Boie, 1828

[English name] Armadillo Girdled Lizard, Armadillo Spiny-tailed Lizard

II. Morphological characteristics

The armadillo lizard is about 20 cm long, and their whole body is covered with huge armor-like scales. The color of the scales is dark yellow. There are 6 large and obvious scales juxtaposed on the back of their heads. They are small in size, have external ear holes, and they have active eyelids and nictitating membranes (3rd face). They have developed tongues that are flat and muscular. Each of their tail vertebrae is divided into two halves by a diaphragm. Strong muscle contraction can break the tail from there. Later, they will grow a new tail, which is shorter and lighter than the original tail.

III. Living habits

The armadillo lizards inhabit flat sandstone land. They are small diurnal lizards that usually gather in families They live in the rock piles in the rocky desert area. When they encounter predators, they will 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 thorny ball for protection. Fragile abdomen.

IV. Population status

The armadillo lizard is a first-class protected animal in South Africa. It only produces 1-2 larvae every year. And very precious.

The above is the detailed introduction of the armadillo lizard. You are welcome to leave a message below to discuss, pay attention to this site, and learn more about the little knowledge of lizards~