Hemicordylus
| Hemicordylus | |
|---|---|
| |
Hottentots-Holland
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Cordylidae |
| Genus: | Hemicordylus Smith, 1838 |
Hemicordylus, the false girdled lizards, is a genus comprising two lizard species endemic to the Cape Fold Belt of southern South Africa.
Description
Their maximum snout-to-vent length is about 76 mm. They have gracile features, with a phenotype which is described as intermediate between typical Cordylus and the larger, more robust Pseudocordylus. They have long limbs, and long slender digits. Some populations are melanistic and sexually dichromatic.[1] The melanistic populations have been shown to be ecotypes rather than relics in the related genus Karusasaurus.[2]
Habits
Their specialized adaptation to steep rock faces, is believed to have favoured their agility and lightly armored anatomy.live birth to 1–3 young.[1]
Species
- Hemicordylus capensis (Smith, 1838) – false girdled lizard
- Hemicordylus nebulosus (Mouton & van Wyk, 1995)