Gastropholis
Gastropholis, commonly known as Keel-bellied Lizards, are a genus of lacertid lizards native to Equatorial Africa. These diurnal, arboreal reptiles are characterized by their keeled ventral scales, high ventral scale count, and long prehensile tails, which aid them in their arboreal lifestyle. They inhabit forests and woodlands, often found high in trees where they bask and hunt for insects, arthropods, and smaller lizards.
Key Facts
- ›Belong to the family Lacertidae and are found in Equatorial Africa.
- ›Known for their distinctive keeled ventral scales and high ventral scale count.
- ›Primarily arboreal, inhabiting forests and woodlands, often more than 10 meters above ground.
- ›Diurnal and secretive, using prehensile tails for balance while moving on branches.
- ›Diet consists of insects, other arthropods, and smaller lizards.
- ›Eggs are laid in moist tree holes, with known clutch sizes of five to ten eggs.
Keel-Bellied Lizards, Green Keel-Bellied Lizard, Keelbelly Ground Lizard
Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique
High Ventral Scale Count, Keeled Ventral Scales, Long Prehensile Tail, Adult Snout-Vent Lengths of 80–110 mm, Long Limbs, Hooked Claws
Insects, Other Arthropods, Smaller Lizards
Diurnal, Arboreal, Secretive, Use Prehensile Tails For Balance, Sun-Basking On Branches, Hide In Tree Holes Or Under Loose Bark
About Gastropholis
Gastropholis: The Keel-bellied Lizards
Gastropholis, commonly referred to as Keel-bellied Lizards, represents a genus of lacertid lizards found in the diverse Equatorial African region. These reptiles are characterized by several distinctive anatomical features, including a high count of ventral scales, which are notably keeled, setting them apart from other lacertid lizards in the same geographical area. Their long, prehensile tails are crucial for their arboreal lifestyle, aiding in balance as they navigate branches.
Habitat and Lifestyle
The genus is distributed across a wide swathe of Equatorial Africa, encompassing countries such as Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, and extending to Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Gastropholis species are primarily inhabitants of forests, woodlands, and thickets, typically found in coastal plains. They are well-adapted for an arboreal existence, often residing at significant heights, sometimes exceeding 10 meters above the ground. Their behavior is diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and they are known to be quite secretive. They utilize tree holes and loose bark as hiding places, emerging to bask in the sun and forage on branches.
Diet and Reproduction
The diet of Gastropholis lizards largely comprises insects and other arthropods. They have also been observed to prey on smaller lizards. Their foraging strategy involves active movement along branches, where their prehensile tails provide essential stability. Reproduction occurs through egg-laying, with eggs being deposited in moist tree cavities. For the species Gastropholis prasina, clutches typically range from five to ten eggs, and under controlled incubation temperatures of 26-29°C, hatching occurs after approximately 61 days.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Gastropholis mean?
The genus name Gastropholis is derived from ancient Greek words: 'gaster' meaning 'belly, stomach' and 'pholis' meaning 'horny scale of a reptile'. This name refers to the distinctive keeled scales on their bellies.
Where are Gastropholis lizards found?
Gastropholis lizards are distributed across Equatorial Africa, including southern Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, western Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, eastern Kenya, Tanzania, and south to northeastern Mozambique.
What is the habitat of Gastropholis lizards?
These lizards inhabit forests, woodlands, and thickets of coastal plains, typically found at altitudes from sea level up to 2000 meters. They are arboreal and often live high in trees, using tree holes and loose bark for shelter.
What do Keel-bellied Lizards eat?
Their diet primarily consists of insects and other arthropods. They are also known to prey on smaller lizards. They forage on branches, using their prehensile tails for balance.
How do Gastropholis lizards reproduce?
Gastropholis lizards are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. The eggs are deposited in moist tree holes. One species, Gastropholis prasina, is known to lay clutches of five to ten eggs.
What are the distinguishing physical characteristics of Gastropholis?
Gastropholis species are characterized by a high ventral scale count (10-14 rows), keeled ventral scales (unlike other Equatorial African lacertids), and a long prehensile tail. They are also the largest among their clade, with adult snout-vent lengths ranging from 80 to 110 mm.
Related Lizards
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.
Gerrhosaurus major
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Bosc's fringe-toed lizard
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