Hemicordylus
| Hemicordylus | |
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| H. capensis in the Hottentots-Holland | |
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| Genus: | Hemicordylus Smith, 1838
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The False girdled lizards are two lizard species endemic to the Cape Fold Belt of southern South Africa.
Description
Their maximum snout-to-vent length is about 76 mm. They have gracile features, with a phenotype which is described as intermediate between typical Cordylus and the larger, more robust Pseudocordylus. They have long limbs, and long slender digits. Some populations are melanistic and sexually dichromatic.[1] The melanistic populations have been shown to be ecotypes rather than relics in the related genus Karusasaurus.[2]
Habits
Their specialized adaptation to steep rock faces, is believed to have favoured their agility and lightly armored anatomy.[1][3] They give live birth to 1–3 young.[1]
Species
Reference
- ^ a b c Hemicordylus resurrected: Stanley, Edward L. (2011). "Between a rock and a hard polytomy: Rapid radiation in the rupicolous girdled lizards (Squamata: Cordylidae)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 58: 53–70.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Engelbrecht, Hanlie M. (2011). "Are Melanistic Populations of the Karoo Girdled Lizard, Karusasaurus polyzonus, Relics or Ecotypes? A Molecular Investigation". African Zoology. 46(1). Zoological Society of Southern Africa: 146–155. doi:10.3377/004.046.0105.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Eifler et al., 2007; Janse van Rensburg, 2009; Janse van Rensburg et al., 2009