Common flat lizard
A species of Flat lizards Scientific name : Platysaurus intermedius Genus : Flat lizards
Common flat lizard, A species of Flat lizards
Scientific name: Platysaurus intermedius
Genus: Flat lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The common flat lizard (Platysaurus intermedius) is a species of lizard in the Cordylidae family. This lizard has 9 subspecies, all living in southern Africa.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
Common flat lizard is an insectivorous species, primarily feeding on ants and termites. Its long tongue is adapted to retrieve these small prey from tight crevices in rocks, showing a predilection for social insects.
Appearance
Common flat lizard is a small, flat-bodied lizard with rough, scaly skin. Predominantly brown, it boasts vivid blue and yellow stripes running longitudinally along the body, while males display a brightly colored orange throat during breeding season. It has a short, sturdy tail, and its head is somewhat larger compared to its body, sporting strong jaw muscles. Juveniles mirror the adults in form, but carry less saturated colors.
Behavior
Common flat lizard displays a unique recognition system whereby males exhibit colourful displays to assailants and potential mates. They are primarily solitary, defensive and exhibit distinctive territorial behavior, marking the boundaries with pheromones. In the interest of survival, they also adopt freeze-and-flee tactics against predators.
Population
Stable
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Girdled lizards Genus
Flat lizards Species
Common flat lizard