Dwarf plated lizard

Introduction: The Dwarf Plated lizard (Cordylosaurus subtessellatus) prefer areas of succulent vegetation and forages on rocky outcrops for food. It is not unusual to be able to get close up with this species before they run off to the safety of rocks. Try grabbing them and you will more than likely be left with a shedded tail, which will continue to move for some time. Predators are fooled by this action, giving the dwarf plated lizard plenty of time to escape. They are frequent baskers and lift their limbs off the hot sand by resting on their bellies.

Distribution: Western Namibia, including Swakopmund and Walvis Bay regions, from south Angola to the Orange River excluding some areas of the Namib Desert.

Diet: Flies and grasshoppers.

Colouring: The back is dark brown to black with distinct dorsolateral stripes that are pale-cream to light yellow that become electric blue on the tail. The belly is off-white.

Breeding: Females lay 2 eggs that are laid in November and hatchlings emerge in February to March.

Size: SVL 35 to 45mm. Max SVL 55mm.