Cordylus oelofseni
| Cordylus oelofseni | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Cordylidae |
| Genus: | Cordylus |
| Species: | C. oelofseni |
| Binomial name | |
| Cordylus oelofseni | |
Cordylus oelofseni, also known commonly as Oelofsen's girdled lizard and the western dwarf girdled lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Cordylidae. It is a small, spiny lizard endemic to South Africa.[2]
Etymology
The specific name, oelofseni, is in honor of African zoologist Burger W. Oelofsen.[3]: 193
Description
Adults of Cordylus oelofseni usually have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 5.5–6.5 cm (2.2–2.6 in). Dorsally, it is black, with a pale gray vertebral line, which may be interrupted. Ventrally, it is dark gray.[4]
Geographic distribution
Cordylus oelofseni is found in Western Cape province, South Africa.[1][2]
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Cordylus oelofseni is rocky areas of shrubland, at elevations above 300 m (980 ft).[1]
Behavior
Cordylus oelofseni is terrestrial and saxicolous (rock-dwelling).[1]
Reproduction
Cordylus oelofseni is ovoviviparous.[2] Litter size is two to three young.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Bates, M.F.; Mouton, P.L.F.N. (2018). "Cordylus oelofseni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018 e.T110159854A115675216. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T110159854A115675216.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- 1 2 3 Cordylus oelofseni at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 20 October 2020.
- ↑ Beolens, B.; Watkins, M.; Grayson, M. (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. xiii + 296. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5.
- 1 2 Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised Edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. 399 pp. (Cordylus oelofseni, pp. 188–189 + Plate 104).
Further reading
- Mouton, P.le F.N.; Van Wyk, J.H. (1990). "Taxonomic status of the melanistic forms of the Cordylus cordylus complex (Reptilia: Cordylidae) in the south-western Cape, South Africa". South African Journal of Zoology. 25 (1): 31–38. (Cordylus oelofseni, new species). (in English, with an abstract in Afrikaans).
- Reissig, J. (2014). Girdled Lizards and their relatives: Natural History, Captive Care and Breeding. Frankfurt am Main, Germany: Edition Chimaira. ISBN 978-3899734379. 249 pp.
- Stanley, E.L.; Bauer, A.M.; Jackman, T.R.; Branch, W.R.; Mouton, P.le F.N. (2011). "Between a rock and a hard polytomy: Rapid radiation in the rupicolous girdled lizards (Squamata: Cordylidae)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 58 (1): 53–70.
- van Rensburg, D.A. Janse; Mouton, P.le F.N.; Van Niekerk, A. (2009). "Why cordylid lizards are black at the south-western tip of Africa". Journal of Zoology. 278 (4): 333–341.