Knox's ocellated sand lizard
A species of Meroles Scientific name : Meroles knoxii Genus : Meroles
Knox's ocellated sand lizard, A species of Meroles
Scientific name: Meroles knoxii
Genus: Meroles
Content
Description General Info
Photo By dangerranger , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Meroles knoxii, Knox's ocellated sand lizard or Knox's desert lizard, is a species of sand-dwelling lizard in the family Lacertidae. It occurs in Namibia and South Africa.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Knox's ocellated sand lizard primarily feeds on arthropods, specifically insects. It shows a dietary preference for beetles and termites, and also consumes caterpillars and spiders when available.
Appearance
Knox's ocellated sand lizard is a medium-sized, agile lizard, possessing a streamlined body and smooth scaly skin. Its dominant coloration is a blend of sandy-brown and white, assisting with camouflage in its arid habitat. Tiny black speckles ornament its body, with prominent dark bands marking its tail. The lizard boasts slender, elongated legs, adept at burrowing and quick movements. There are no significant differences in appearance between ages, genders, or subspecies.
Behavior
Knox's ocellated sand lizard is primarily a nocturnal species that regularly burrows underground. Its typical diet consists of various plant materials and small insects. Solitary in nature, it uses complex physical gestures for courtship and communication. Adapted for life in arid climates, it presents a unique locomotion technique - 'sand swimming' - which aids in predator evasion.
Population
Stable
Photo By dangerranger , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Wall lizards Genus
Meroles Species
Knox's ocellated sand lizard