Armadillo Girdled Lizard

Cordylus cataphractus (armadillo lizard or armadillo girdled lizard) is found along the west coast of South Africa, from the Orange River in the north (Little Namaqualand, Northern Cape Province) to the Piketberg Mountains in the south, and as far inland as Matjiesfontein in the western Karoo Basin. Armadillo lizards inhabit karroid veld, a vegetation type that is normally found in the semi-desert Karoo region of South Africa. This habitat is characterized by sparse vegetation dominated by dwarf, perennial shrubs. These lizards inhabit large cracks in rocky outcrops. Armadillo lizards are named for their appearance when in a defensive position. When threatened, they curl up, grip the tail in their jaws, and form a tight, armored ball, resembling an armadillo. Rows of spiny osteodermate scales covering the neck, body, tail, and limbs deter predators from seizing or swallowing these lizards. This position protects the soft underside of the lizard, which is its most vulnerable area. Males grow to be larger than females and have more prominent femoral pores. The average snout-vent length is between 75 and 90 mm, with a maximum snout-vent length of 105 mm. The tail is equal to or slightly shorter than the body length. The body color is a dirty yellowish brown to straw color. Dorsal color is usually consistent, sometimes having an orange to olive tint on the sides. Dark brown infusions on the back are not uncommon. The upper lip is dark brown. The head and tail are flattened, allowing it to squeeze into rock crevices. Armadillo lizards have the ability to drop their own tail (autotomy) when in danger, and can grow it back slowly. But, unlike many other lizards, in Cordylus cataphractus the tail is a necessary part of its unique defensive position. Because of this, the lizard will not part with the tail easily or quickly and tail autotomy is used only as a last resort. The jaws of Cordylus cataphractus are extremely powerful. In a fight, they can sever digits or small limbs. They sometimes roll their bodies as they bite, inflicting severe damage.