Cordylus melanotus
The Cordylus melanotus, commonly known as the common crag lizard or Highveld crag lizard, is a species of ovoviviparous lizard found across Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa. It inhabits rocky outcrops, hills, and mountains, tolerating temperatures as low as -5°C. This species is characterized by its adaptability to various mountainous regions within southern Africa.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa.
- ›Inhabits rocky outcrops, hills, and mountains.
- ›Tolerant of temperatures down to -5 °C.
- ›Ovoviviparous reproduction method.
- ›Subspecies are found in various inland mountain ranges.
Common Crag Lizard, Highveld Crag Lizard
Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa
Ovoviviparous Lizard., Tolerant of Temperatures No Lower Than -5 °C.
About Cordylus melanotus
The Cordylus melanotus, more commonly known as the common crag lizard or Highveld crag lizard, is a species of lizard native to Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa. This species is characterized by its ability to tolerate cold temperatures, with a documented tolerance for conditions as low as -5 °C. Its habitat preference lies in rocky outcrops, hills, and mountainous terrain across southern Africa.
Habitat and Distribution
Cordylus melanotus is found throughout various inland mountain ranges. Subspecies and populations occur in the Eastern Cape's Amatole–Great Winterberg region, the Cape Fold Mountains, the Natal and Transvaal Drakensberg and their foothills, Lesotho, and Eswatini. An isolated population also exists at Suikerbosrand, and the species is present in the Magaliesberg. The original type specimen was collected in 1838 by zoologist Andrew Smith in the hills east of Philippolis in the Orange Free State.
Biology
This lizard is ovoviviparous, meaning that the eggs develop internally and hatch before the young are born. Its tolerance for cold temperatures is a key adaptation for survival in its exposed mountain habitats.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Cordylus melanotus?
Cordylus melanotus is commonly referred to as the common crag lizard or the Highveld crag lizard. These names reflect its habitat and general appearance.
Where is the Cordylus melanotus found?
This lizard species is naturally found in Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa. It inhabits mountainous regions within these countries, including the Drakensberg and Cape Fold Mountains.
What kind of habitat does the Cordylus melanotus prefer?
Cordylus melanotus thrives in rocky outcrops, hills, and mountains. Its distribution spans various inland mountain ranges where these environments are prevalent.
Can the Cordylus melanotus survive in cold temperatures?
Yes, the Cordylus melanotus is tolerant of temperatures as low as -5 °C. This resilience allows it to inhabit exposed rocky environments where temperatures can fluctuate.
How does the Cordylus melanotus reproduce?
The Cordylus melanotus is an ovoviviparous lizard. This means that the eggs develop and hatch inside the mother before live young are born.
Related Lizards
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