Class Sauropsida Suborder Lacertilia Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Infraorder Iguania | |
Similar Chalarodon, Chalarodon madagascariensis, Opluridae, Oplurus, Iguania | ||
Chalarodon steinkampi is a species of Malagasy terrestrial iguanian lizard. It was recognised as a new species in 2015, which is probably microendemic to a small area in south eastern Madagascar.
Contents
Habitat
The species inhabits areas very similar to its sister species, Chalarodon madagascariensis: semi-arid to arid regions with sandy soil that are mostly open.
Distribution
This species is currently only known from two locations: a locality 30 km north of Amboasary, and Esomony.
Morphology
Calarodon steinkampi is a cryptic species. It is easiest distinguished from C. madagascariensis by its unkeeled gular and ventral scales, which are keeled in the latter species. Other subtle differences include the mental scale being in contact with four postmentals (rather than 5–8), slightly shorter limbs, and fewer spines in its dorsal crest.
Nutrition
The Madagascar sand lizards are insectivores. In addition to insects, sometimes plants are ingested, particularly in the form of leaves and roots.