Ichnotropis microlepidota
| Ichnotropis microlepidota | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Sauria or Lacertilia |
| Infraorder: | Scincomorpha |
| Family: | Lacertidae |
| Genus: | Ichnotropis |
| Species: | I. microlepidota |
| Binomial name | |
| Ichnotropis microlepidota Marx, 1956[1] | |
Ichnotropis microlepidota is a species of African lizards in the genus Ichnotropis. They are commonly called Marx's Rough-scaled Lizard and are largely found in Angola, Africa. The I. microlepidota are terrestrial lizards and was first discovered at the foot of mount Moco.
Description
I. microlepidota are medium-sized lizards with slender bodies, long tails, and well developed legs.[2] Most of this specimens found are less than 52mm long in snout–to-vent length (SVL) and share common characteristics of the genus Ichnotropis. [2]
Identification of Ichnotropis includes the following:[2]
- Cylindrical tail without lateral fringe
- Toes without serrated or fringed edge
- Smooth or tubular lamellae under toes
- Subocular scales bordering lip
- No collar present
- Keeled or overlapping dorsal scales
- Head shields smooth or slightly rough
The I. microlepidota species is similar to the [Ichnotropis bivittata] except I. microlepidotahas a wider body.[1]
Biology
These lizards are insectivorous and feed on termites and other small insects.[2] They are active hunters during the day.
Taxonomy and evolution
Based on morphological evidence the South African genus Ichnotropis and the North American genus Psammodromus diverged from the lineage of Lacerta lepida and Lacerta monticola during the Oligocene epoch (24 to 36 million years ago).[3]
Predators
Recorded as prey of the Melierax metabates or chanting goshawk, a bird of prey indigenous to Africa[1]
References
- 1 2 3 Marx, H. (1956). "A new lacertid lizard from Angola". Fieldiana: Zoology. 39. pp. 5-9
- 1 2 3 4 Branch, William (1998). Field guide to snakes and other reptiles of Southern Africa (3rd ed.). Cape Town, Africa: Stuik Publishers. pp. 160–162. ISBN 1868720403.
- ↑ Busack, Stephan & Maxson, Linda. (1986) Molecular relationships among Iberian, Moroccan, and South African lacertid lizards (Reptilia: Lacertidae). Amphibia-Reptilia 8.pp. 383-392.