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Delma haroldi

Delma haroldi, also known as Butler's legless lizard or the spinifex snake-lizard, is a species of legless lizard endemic to Australia. This small species is found in grassland habitats across various arid and semi-arid regions of the continent. It is characterized by its limbless form and a tail significantly longer than its body.

Key Facts

  • Delma haroldi is a limbless lizard species native to Australia.
  • Its preferred habitat is grassland environments.
  • The species is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.
  • Adults can reach a snout-to-vent length of up to 9 cm, with a tail three times that length.
  • Populations are geographically separated by arid regions in central Australia.
Delma haroldi
Scientific Name
Delma haroldi
Family
Pygopodidae
Common Names

Butler's Legless Lizard, Butler's Scalyfoot, Spinifex Snake-Lizard, Unbanded Delma

Geographic Distribution

Australia

Physical Description

Limbless, Small For Its Genus, Snout-To-Vent Length Up To 9 cm, Tail Length Approximately Three Times Svl

About Delma haroldi

Delma haroldi: Butler's Legless Lizard

Delma haroldi, commonly recognized as Butler's legless lizard, Butler's scalyfoot, the spinifex snake-lizard, or the unbanded delma, is a distinct species of legless lizard native to Australia. Belonging to the Pygopodidae family, this species is characterized by its limbless form and is adapted to the arid and semi-arid environments of its homeland.

Habitat and Distribution

The preferred natural habitat of Delma haroldi is grassland. Its populations are notably separated across the hyperarid center of Australia, spanning regions such as the Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields, Stony Plains, Great Victoria Desert, Finke, MacDonnell Ranges, and the Nullarbor bioregions. This geographic separation is likely a consequence of recent aridification events in the continent's interior.

Physical Description and Reproduction

Delma haroldi is relatively small for its genus. Adult individuals can achieve a snout-to-vent length of up to 9 centimeters (approximately 3.5 inches). A striking feature is its tail, which is notably long, measuring about three times the length of its body. The species is oviparous, indicating that it reproduces by laying eggs.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delma haroldi commonly known as?

Delma haroldi is commonly known by several names, including Butler's legless lizard, Butler's scalyfoot, the spinifex snake-lizard, and the unbanded delma.

Where is Delma haroldi found?

This lizard species is endemic to Australia. Its populations are found across various grassland regions, including the Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields, Stony Plains, Great Victoria Desert, Finke, MacDonnell Ranges, and Nullarbor bioregions.

What is the habitat of Delma haroldi?

The preferred natural habitat for Delma haroldi is grassland. They inhabit arid and semi-arid areas of Australia.

What are the physical characteristics of Delma haroldi?

Delma haroldi is a limbless lizard, small for its genus. It can reach a snout-to-vent length of up to 9 cm (3.5 inches), with a tail that is approximately three times the length of its body.

How does Delma haroldi reproduce?

Delma haroldi is oviparous, which means it reproduces by laying eggs.