Burchell's sand lizard
A species of African sand lizards Scientific name : Pedioplanis burchelli Genus : African sand lizards
Burchell's sand lizard, A species of African sand lizards
Scientific name: Pedioplanis burchelli
Genus: African sand lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By nicky , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Pedioplanis burchelli, Burchell's sand lizard , is a species of lizard found in South Africa and Lesotho.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
The diet of burchell's sand lizard consists primarily of small arthropods; however, it has a preference for ants. This lizard selectively forages, showing adaptability to seasonal food availability, ensuring a balanced diet year-round.
Appearance
Burchell's sand lizard is a medium-sized lizard with a slim, elongated body. It has a rough, scaly skin that is primarily tan or brown, with darker cross-bands along its body and tail. It sports a pair of robust hind legs, designed for effective locomotion across its desert habitat. Adult males are distinguished by a somewhat brighter coloration and broader heads compared to females.
Behavior
Burchell's sand lizard exhibits a largely solitary lifestyle, involving active foraging for arthropods during daylight hours. Known for its unique mobility, it uses rapid sideways movements or 'sidewinding' as a method to travel across sand or evade predators. Environmental adaptation includes thermoregulation via basking sun exposure and burrowing to escape heat.
Population
Stable
Photo By nicky , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Wall lizards Genus
African sand lizards Species
Burchell's sand lizard