Armadillo girdled lizard
A species of Armadillo lizards Scientific name : Ouroborus cataphractus Genus : Armadillo lizards
Armadillo girdled lizard, A species of Armadillo lizards
Scientific name: Ouroborus cataphractus
Genus: Armadillo lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By frank wouters , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The armadillo girdled lizard (Ouroborus cataphractus), also known as the armadillo lizard, golden armadillo lizard or armadillo spiny-tailed lizard, is a girdled lizard endemic to desert areas along the western coast of South Africa. In 2011, it was moved to its own genus based on molecular phylogeny, but formerly it was included in Cordylus.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Armadillo girdled lizard sustains primarily on a diet of insects. They exhibit a preference for small invertebrates, particularly beetles and termites. This feeding habit assists in maintaining terrestrial ecosystems balanced.
Appearance
Armadillo girdled lizard is a small reptile with rough, armoured skin, reminiscent of a pinecone. Mostly grey-brown in color, its distinctive scaly body allows a degree of camouflage amongst rocks and bark. Male armadillo girdled lizard are larger than females, and both genders lack conspicuous differentiation like horns, wings, or significant color variances. This creature is noted for its unique posture, often preferring to rest curled in a ball.
Behavior
Armadillo girdled lizard exhibits a unique form of self-protection by rolling into a tight, unassailable ball, akin to an armadillo. This solitary species is typically nocturnal, spending its days sheltering in rock crevices. Notably, the females demonstrate maternal care by maintaining and protecting the nest after laying eggs, a rare behavior among reptiles.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Girdled lizards Genus
Armadillo lizards Species
Armadillo girdled lizard 
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