Ichnotropis grandiceps
| Ichnotropis grandiceps | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Lacertidae |
| Genus: | Ichnotropis |
| Species: | I. grandiceps
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ichnotropis grandiceps Broadley, 1967
| |
Ichnotropis grandiceps is a species of African lizards in the family Lacertidae. They are commonly called Caprivi rough-scaled lizards as they are largely found in southwestern Africa on the border of the Caprivi Strip. The cape rough-scaled lizards are terrestrial and found in the range of open woodland and mesic savanna. The caprivi rough-scaled lizards are medium in size and distributed in parts of Namibia and Botswana.[2] This species is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List for endangered species as they are rare and has not been seen or collected since 1998.[1] Data about the population or specimens collected are needed for the IUCN to obtain more information about the unknown threats that may be impacting them.[1]
Description[edit]
I. grandiceps are medium-sized lizards with slender bodies, long tails, and well developed legs. They are very similar to the type species Ichnotropis capensis, except I. grandiceps have larger heads.[3] These lizards are no more than 70 mm in snout to vent length (SVL).
Identification of Ichnotropis includes the following:[3]
- 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 coloration of the adults consist of a uniform grey and yellowish brown backs with few scattered dark spots.[3] A dark dorsolateral stripe that may be absent or faint, which runs from the head to the groin and breaks up into a line of lateral spots.[3] The sides of the head and the belly are white.[3] The juveniles have pale grey and brown backs with lateral stripes.[3]
Habitat[edit]
I. grandiceps can be found in open woodland, lime soil, or white sandy areas in Southwestern Africa.[3] There are records that report this species in Namibia, and Botswana. These lizards seek shelter in soft soiled burrows, under rocks and brush.
Biology[edit]
These lizards are insectivorous and feed on termites and other small insects.[3] They are active hunters during the day. This species is rare and have not been collected in some time.
Taxonomy and evolution[edit]
Based on morphological evidence the South African genus Ichnotropis and the North American genus Psammodromus diverged from a common ancestor from the lineage of Lacerta lepida and Lacerta monticola during the Oligocene epoch (24 to 36 million years ago).[4]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Becker, F.; Bauer, A.M. (2020). "Ichnotropis grandiceps". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T178632A120635029. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T178632A120635029.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ Ichnotropis grandiceps at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 20 August 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h 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.