Cape girdled lizard
A species of Girdle-tailed, Also known as Rough-scaled girdled lizard Scientific name : Cordylus cordylus Genus : Girdle-tailed
Cape girdled lizard, A species of Girdle-tailed
Also known as:
Rough-scaled girdled lizard
Scientific name: Cordylus cordylus
Genus: Girdle-tailed
Content
Description General Info
Photo By nicky , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Cordylus cordylus, the Cape girdled lizard, is a medium-sized lizard indigenous to the southern Cape region of South Africa, where it inhabits crags, rocky outcrops and mountain summits. They evade predators by wedging themselves firmly in rock cracks.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
Cape girdled lizard is a primarily insectivorous species, with a penchant for consuming arthropods. It is particularly fond of beetles and spiders, selectively feeding based on the availability and abundance of these prey items.
Appearance
The cape girdled lizard is a medium-sized lizard with a robust body shape. It has rough, granular skin that is predominantly dark grey to black in color. Its body is adorned with ridges of large, spiny scales, a remarkable adaptation for defense. Lighter underparts display darker, irregular spots. The species shows no significant gender or age-related visual distinctions.
Behavior
Cape girdled lizard is a primarily sluggish, sun-loving species, spending most daytime hours basking on rock formations. It demonstrates extraordinary defensive behavior, rolling into a tight ball when threatened, with its heavily armored tail covering its softer underparts. This largely solitary animal exhibits strong territoriality, often engaging in combat with intruders.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Girdled lizards Genus
Girdle-tailed Species
Cape girdled lizard 
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