Subphylum Vertebrata Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Sauria orLacertilia | |
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.
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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:
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