Western sandveld lizard

Introduction: The Western Sandveld lizard (Nucras tessellata) is endemic to Namibia. It is a slender, but wonderfully coloured lizard whose appearance is enhanced by a long tail. Their preferred habitat is one of rocky ground in arid savannah.

Distribution: Southern Namibia, less for the Namib Desert extending southwards over the Orange River into South Africa.

Diet: Forages on scorpions and spiders, grasshoppers, beetles and cockroaches.

Colouring: The black body has 4 thin cream stripes on the back and brilliant white bars on the flanks. The rear of the body, tail and hind limbs are all a deep reddish-brown. The belly is pure white.

Breeding: Females lay 3 to 4 eggs.

Size: SVL 70 to 80mm. Max SVL 92mm.