Neha Patil (Editor)

Ichnotropis microlepidota

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Kingdom
  
Animalia

Subphylum
  
Vertebrata

Order
  
Squamata

Rank
  
Species

Phylum
  
Chordata

Class
  
Reptilia

Suborder
  
Sauria or Lacertilia

Similar
  
Gastropholis tropidopholis, Ichnotropis squamulosa, Heliobolus lugubris

Ichnotropis microlepidota is a species of African lizards in the genus Ichnotropis. They are commonly called Marx's Rough-scaled Lizard and are largely found in Angola, Africa. The I. microlepidota are terrestrial lizards and was first discovered at the foot of mount Moco.

Contents

Description

I. microlepidota are medium-sized lizards with slender bodies, long tails, and well developed legs. Most of this specimens found are less than 52mm long in snout–to-vent length (SVL) and share common characteristics of the genus Ichnotropis.


Identification of Ichnotropis includes the following:

  • Cylindrical tail without lateral fringe
  • Toes without serrated or fringed edge
  • Smooth or tubular lamellae under toes
  • Subocular scales bordering lip
  • No collar present
  • Keeled or overlapping dorsal scales
  • Head shields smooth or slightly rough

  • The I. microlepidota species is similar to the [Ichnotropis bivittata] except I. microlepidotahas a wider body.

    Biology

    These lizards are insectivorous and feed on termites and other small insects. They are active hunters during the day.

    Taxonomy and evolution

    Based on morphological evidence the South African genus Ichnotropis and the North American genus Psammodromus diverged from the lineage of Lacerta lepida and Lacerta monticola during the Oligocene epoch (24 to 36 million years ago).

    Predators

    Recorded as prey of the Melierax metabates or chanting goshawk, a bird of prey indigenous to Africa

    References

    Ichnotropis microlepidota Wikipedia