Cape Crag Lizard (Pseudocordylus microlepidotus) lives in shrublands, grasslands across South Africa. It feeds on diet not mentioned. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Cape Crag Lizard
- Pseudocordylus microlepidotus lives in shrublands and grasslands of South Africa, darting among rocks and hiding in low vegetation.
- Scientists have split this lizard into three distinct subspecies, microlepidotus, fasciatus, and namaquensis.
- Unlike most snakes and lizards that lay eggs, the Cape crag lizard gives birth to live young after the embryos develop inside the mother’s body. This ovoviviparous strategy shields the hatchlings from predators and harsh weather until they are ready to fend for themselves. It flips the usual reptile script and highlights nature’s many ways to protect the next generation.
- Males have noticeably larger heads and a greater number of skin glands compared with females, even before they reach breeding age.
At a glance
RangeSouth Africa
Habitatshrublands, grasslands
Dietdiet not mentioned
About the Cape Crag Lizard
In the shrublands and grasslands of South Africa, the Cape crag lizard (Pseudocordylus microlepidotus) has males with larger heads and more skin glands than females, and the sexes begin to differentiate before sexual maturity. The species is ovoviviparous and includes three subspecies: microlepidotus, fasciatus, and namaquensis.
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