Mochlus afer
A species of Mochlus Scientific name : Mochlus afer Genus : Mochlus
Mochlus afer, A species of Mochlus
Scientific name: Mochlus afer
Genus: Mochlus
Content
Description General Info
Description
The mochlus afer is a small to medium-sized skink that’s native to sub-Saharan regions in Africa. The species is well-adapted to the semi-fossorial way of life, meaning it spends half of its time buried in the sand. This robust skink feeds on various insects and arthropods such as millipedes.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Mochlus afer is a predominantly insectivorous species, relying largely on small arthropods for nutritional sustenance. These small lizards show a preference for ants, beetles, and termites, using their agile tongues to capture prey swiftly.
Appearance
Mochlus afer is a small, slender lizard, averaging around 9 cm in length. It has smooth scales that are primarily brown or tan, sometimes with dark speckling. This lizard's head is distinctively pointed and its body tapers to a long, thin tail. Without any significant differences in appearance between genders or age groups, all mochlus afer present a uniformly streamlined visual impression.
Behavior
Mochlus afer is predominantly nocturnal, residing in burrows during the day. This species is largely solitary, only interacting for mating purposes. Adapted for survival, they use their specialized tongues to feed on ants and termites, and their strong hind limbs for digging. Mochlus afer doesn't display notable territorial behavior.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Mochlus Species
Mochlus afer