Transvaal girdled lizard
A species of Girdle-tailed Scientific name : Cordylus vittifer Genus : Girdle-tailed
Transvaal girdled lizard, A species of Girdle-tailed
Scientific name: Cordylus vittifer
Genus: Girdle-tailed
Content
Description General Info
Description
The Transvaal girdled lizard, Cordylus vittifer, is a very flattened girdled lizard from northeastern South Africa, Swaziland, and southeastern Botswana. It prefers rock outcrops in open grassland and feeds on small arthropods, especially beetles.
General Info
Lifespan
6-10 years
Diet
Transvaal girdled lizard predominantly consumes small invertebrates, with a preference for termites and beetles. The diet occasionally includes plant material, enhancing its nutritional balance.
Appearance
Transvaal girdled lizard is a small-sized lizard with a robust, elongated body covered in rough, spiny scales. Its skin primarily exhibits patterns of brown, cream, or tan. Some males may be partially orange on the head and tail. This lizard possesses a pointed snout and a strong, spiky tail used for defense. It shows no noticeable differences in appearance due to age or subspecies.
Behavior
Transvaal girdled lizard is a mainly solitary reptile, known for its distinctive sun-basking and rodent-foraging behaviors. This species exhibits an uncommon defensive posture, by rolling into a tight ball with spiny tail exposed to dissuade predators. Transvaal girdled lizard rarely strays from its rocky crevice habitat, displaying strong territorial attachment.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Girdled lizards Genus
Girdle-tailed Species
Transvaal girdled lizard 
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