What Is an Armadillo Lizard?

Description

• The armadillo lizard's body grows to between 3 and 4 inches in length, with its tail being around the same length as its body. When in a defensive position, the lizard curls up and looks like and armadillo. It has spiny skin which is a drab, dirty yellowish color; the underside is slightly brighter with hues of orange or olive. The tail and head of the lizard are flattened in appearance and the body is broad.

Habitat and Range

• The species is native to the coastal regions in western South Africa. It ranges from North Cape Province to the Piketberg Mountain range, and as far east as the Karoo Basin. The preferred habitat for the lizard is sparse, semi-desert shrub land with large areas of rocky outcrops. The lizard favors rocky crevices and outcrops for shelter from the weather and to hide from predators.

Diet and Predators

• The armadillo lizard is an insectivore and feeds on a variety of insects. In the spring rainy season, the species' main food is harvester termites which tend to thrive during the rains. During the hot summer months, the lizards are less active and feed mainly on beetles, millipedes and scorpions. Like many lizards, to escape predators it is capable of breaking off portions of its tail. It does not tend to do this, however, as it needs its tail to help create its armadillo-like ball defense. The main natural predators to these lizards are birds of prey.

Life Cycle

• Male armadillo lizards have defined territories which overlap with multiple females ranges. The species breed once a year during spring when food is abundant. Pregnancies generally last six to eight months. Generally, only one live baby is born, but twins can occur. The offspring tends to stay near its mother and sometimes can make a small group with its parents, which is rare with reptiles. Armadillo lizards can live for 20 to 25 years in the wild.