Broadleysaurus major
The Sudan plated lizard, scientifically known as Broadleysaurus major, is a medium-sized, diurnal African lizard characterized by its heavily armored appearance with plate-like keeled scales. It inhabits rocky, semi-open areas across eastern and central Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique. Primarily an omnivore, its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes fruits, vegetation, and small vertebrates.
Key Facts
- ›Medium-sized lizard, reaching up to 24 inches in length.
- ›Distinctive heavily armored body with plate-like keeled scales.
- ›Omnivorous diet, primarily insects, supplemented with fruits, vegetation, and small vertebrates.
- ›Found in eastern and central Africa, favoring rocky, semi-open habitats.
- ›Males may develop bright throats during the breeding season.
- ›Includes subspecies Broadleysaurus major major and Broadleysaurus major bottegoi.
Sudan Plated Lizard, Western Plated Lizard, Great Plated Lizard, Broadley's Rough-Scaled Plated Lizard
Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Zanzibar
- Medium-Sized Lizard, Growing Up To 20-24 Inches Long.
- Tail Is Less Than Half of Total Length.
- Stout Body, Short Limbs, and Moderately Broad Tails.
- Heavily Armored Appearance Due To Transverse Bands of Square, Plate-Like Keeled Scales On Body and Tail.
- Head Shields Are Fused To the Skull.
- Coloration Varies From Tawny To Grayish Brown To Dark Brown With Cream-Colored Spots Or Striping.
- Pale Underside.
- Males Tend To Be Larger Than Females and Can Develop Bright-Colored Throats During Breeding Season.
Insects, Fruits, Vegetation, Small Vertebrates
Diurnal, Prefers Rocky Areas and Crevices
About Broadleysaurus major
Broadleysaurus major: The Sudan Plated Lizard
The Sudan plated lizard, scientifically designated as Broadleysaurus major, is a distinctive reptile native to eastern and central Africa. This medium-sized lizard is easily identifiable by its heavily armored appearance, featuring transverse bands of square, plate-like keeled scales that cover its body and tail, giving it a resemblance to ancient reptiles. Its coloration typically ranges from tawny to dark brown, often with cream-colored spots or striping, and it possesses a pale underside.
Habitat and Distribution
Broadleysaurus major is found across a range that includes Tanzania (and the Zanzibar archipelago), Kenya, and Mozambique. It thrives in semi-open environments characterized by rocky terrain, such as coastal woodlands, thickets, and various savannah types. The species shows a particular preference for rock piles and crevices, which likely provide shelter and hunting grounds.
Diet and Behavior
As an omnivore, the Sudan plated lizard's diet is predominantly insectivorous, consisting mainly of insects. However, its diet is supplemented by occasional consumption of fruits, vegetation, and small vertebrates like minor lizards and rodents. This species is diurnal, meaning it is active during daylight hours. Males of the species may exhibit brighter throat coloration during the breeding season, suggesting a role in courtship displays.
Physical Characteristics and Classification
Adult Sudan plated lizards can reach lengths of 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm), with their tails being less than half of their total body length. They possess stout bodies, short limbs, and moderately broad tails. The scales on the head are fused to the skull, contributing to their armored look. The species is further categorized into subspecies, including Broadleysaurus major major and Broadleysaurus major bottegoi.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the Sudan plated lizard?
The scientific name for the Sudan plated lizard is Broadleysaurus major. It is also known by common names such as the western plated lizard, great plated lizard, or Broadley's rough-scaled plated lizard.
What does the Sudan plated lizard look like?
Broadleysaurus major is a medium-sized lizard, growing up to 20-24 inches long, with a stout body, short limbs, and a tail that is less than half its total length. Its most striking feature is its heavily armored appearance due to transverse bands of square, plate-like keeled scales covering its body and tail.
Where does the Sudan plated lizard live?
This species is found in parts of eastern and central Africa, specifically in countries like Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique. They prefer semi-open areas with rocky terrain, such as coastal woodland, thicket, moist savannah, and dry savannah, often utilizing rock piles and crevices.
What do Sudan plated lizards eat?
Sudan plated lizards are omnivores. Their diet is primarily composed of insects, but they also supplement this by occasionally consuming fruits, vegetation, and small vertebrates like other small lizards and rodents.
Are there different types of Sudan plated lizards?
Yes, the species Broadleysaurus major has recognized subspecies. These include Broadleysaurus major major and Broadleysaurus major bottegoi.
What is the typical size of a Sudan plated lizard?
Sudan plated lizards are considered medium-sized, with adults typically growing up to 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) in total length. The tail constitutes less than half of this total length.
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