Hemicordylus, the false girdled lizards, is a genus comprising two lizard species endemic to the Cape Fold Belt of southern South Africa.
Hemicordylus | |
---|---|
H. capensis in the Hottentots-Holland | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Cordylidae |
Genus: | Hemicordylus Smith, 1838 |
Description edit
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 edit
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 edit
- Hemicordylus capensis (Smith, 1838) – false girdled lizard
- Hemicordylus nebulosus (Mouton & van Wyk, 1995)
References edit
- ^ a b c Hemicordylus resurrected: Stanley, Edward L.; et al. (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. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2010.08.024. PMID 20816817.
- ^ Engelbrecht, Hanlie M.; P. le Fras N. Mouton; Savel R. Daniels (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. S2CID 84437437.
- ^ Eifler et al., 2007; Janse van Rensburg,2009; Janse van Rensburg et al., 2009
🔥 Top keywords: Akademia e Shkencave e RPS te ShqiperiseAlexandria Ocasio-CortezBilderberg GroupCristiano RonaldoDong XiaowanMinecraftOperation GladioPrimal cutRiot FestStrictly Come Dancing (series 7)Main PageSpecial:SearchWikipedia:Featured picturesMohan Charan MajhiHunter BidenChatGPT2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)Melissa Cohen BidenChirag PaswanCleopatraDeaths in 2024.xxx2024 Indian general electionUEFA Euro 20242024 ICC Men's T20 World CupHit Man (2023 film)Lynn ConwayJoe BidenKalki 2898 ADProject 2025Beau Biden2026 FIFA World Cup qualificationYouTubeMichael Mosley (broadcaster)Ronald Reagan2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC third roundNeilia Hunter Biden2024 European Parliament electionAmerican Airlines Flight 587Sabrina CarpenterImber friendly fire incidentHallie Olivere BidenBad Boys: Ride or DieThreat actorThe Acolyte (TV series)Biggest ball of twineRam Vilas PaswanLester C. Hunt2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC second round