Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Sauria Scientific name Platysaurus orientalis Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Infraorder Scincomorpha Higher classification Platysaurus | |
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Similar Platysaurus, Waterberg flat lizard, Soutpansberg flat lizard, Cape flat lizard, Ukinga girdled lizard | ||
The Sekukhune flat lizard (Platysaurus orientalis) is a species of lizard in the family Cordylidae. The species is endemic to South Africa. It has two subspecies.
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Description
Females and juveniles have a black back with white stripes, as well as a white belly. Adult male Sekukhune flat lizards have a green body, and a tail which is orange or red above, and yellow underneath.
Geographic range and habitat
The Sekukhune flat lizard lives in a small area of savannah in South Africa in the Sekhukhuneland natural region. This includes the Mpumalanga Escarpment.
Reproduction
Female Sekukhune flat lizards lay two eggs in a rock crack in early summer.
Diet
The diet of the Sekukhune flat lizard includes insects, including caterpillars.
Subspecies
Two subspecies are recognized.
The subspecific name, fitzsimonsi, is in honor of South African herpetologist (Mr.) Vivian Frederick Maynard FitzSimons.
