Armadillo Lizard Facts
Most of us are familiar with the armadillo, an animal with a bony shell. Then, what is an armadillo lizard? Read on to know more about some interesting armadillo lizard facts.
Armadillo lizard is a scaly lizard that is found in the deserts of Africa. The characteristic feature of this type of lizard is the thick, protective scales that cover the body. These lizards are well adapted to desert life. Trade of armadillo lizards is banned in South Africa, but, you may find armadillo lizards as pets in some regions of North America and Europe. Scroll down for some interesting facts about armadillo lizards.
Armadillo Lizards - Physical Features
Armadillo lizards (Cordylus cataphractus) are otherwise known as 'tropical girdled lizard', 'armadillo girdled lizard' or the 'armadillo spiny-tailed lizard. The body length of these scaly lizards range between 16 to 21 centimeters. They usually have a brown colored body, however, there can be slight variations as per the species. The underbelly of this lizard is yellow in color with some blackish designs. The nostrils of armadillo lizards are like small tubes, that help them in identifying prey or predator. They have a flattened body, which helps them to wriggle into rock crevices very fast. One unique characteristic of this lizard is its defensive posture, in which, it rolls up to form a 'spiny ring', by grabbing its tail in the mouth. It may be because of this defensive posture, that these lizards got the name armadillo lizards. Armadillos too roll up into a ball, when threatened. However, it is said that this posture covers the lizard's soft underbelly, as only the scaly back is exposed.
Habitat and Habits
Armadillo lizard's habitat includes dense vegetation (shrubs and small trees) and rocks. They usually hide in the cracks and crevices when threatened. Even during hibernation, these crevices are used by them. They are ground dwelling and are not nocturnal. Armadillo lizards are found to be active during daytime and feed on insects, spiders and invertebrates. Usually, they are slow-moving animals, but, can run faster when threatened. Armadillo lizards live in family groups. The females give birth to young ones and feed the young ones. It is very rare for these lizards to give birth to young ones, as most species lay eggs. Armadillo lizards are one among those lizard species that give birth to young ones. However, the young ones have a very thin membranous body cover during birth, which they break open. The lifespan of armadillo lizards is said to be around 20 years in captivity. Read more on different types of lizards.
Armadillo Lizards as Pets
Even though, armadillo lizards are not endangered species, their trade is banned in South Africa. However, these lizards are very docile and hence, are preferred as pets. They don't retaliate when threatened, and instead try to hide themselves or roll themselves into a ball. In order to raise these animals as pets, you have to provide them with a suitable environment. If you have two to three armadillo lizards, you need a 20 gallon tank covered with a screen lid. The bottom of the tank must be covered with a thick layer of sand, rocks with crevices and branches. You have to clean this substrate or change it once every month. You have to use full spectrum reptile bulbs for this cage. A thermal gradient inside the enclosure will be beneficial. The enclosure must have an average temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. You must also create a basking area with a heat lamp set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a bowl of clean water, which has to be cleaned and refilled on a daily basis. Use feeder insects, like meal worms and crickets to feed your pet.
Now, you know more about armadillo lizard facts. If you are interested to learn more, conduct a research on this interesting animal. You may also acquire an armadillo lizard as a pet.
Armadillo Lizards - Physical Features
Armadillo lizards (Cordylus cataphractus) are otherwise known as 'tropical girdled lizard', 'armadillo girdled lizard' or the 'armadillo spiny-tailed lizard. The body length of these scaly lizards range between 16 to 21 centimeters. They usually have a brown colored body, however, there can be slight variations as per the species. The underbelly of this lizard is yellow in color with some blackish designs. The nostrils of armadillo lizards are like small tubes, that help them in identifying prey or predator. They have a flattened body, which helps them to wriggle into rock crevices very fast. One unique characteristic of this lizard is its defensive posture, in which, it rolls up to form a 'spiny ring', by grabbing its tail in the mouth. It may be because of this defensive posture, that these lizards got the name armadillo lizards. Armadillos too roll up into a ball, when threatened. However, it is said that this posture covers the lizard's soft underbelly, as only the scaly back is exposed.
Habitat and Habits
Armadillo lizard's habitat includes dense vegetation (shrubs and small trees) and rocks. They usually hide in the cracks and crevices when threatened. Even during hibernation, these crevices are used by them. They are ground dwelling and are not nocturnal. Armadillo lizards are found to be active during daytime and feed on insects, spiders and invertebrates. Usually, they are slow-moving animals, but, can run faster when threatened. Armadillo lizards live in family groups. The females give birth to young ones and feed the young ones. It is very rare for these lizards to give birth to young ones, as most species lay eggs. Armadillo lizards are one among those lizard species that give birth to young ones. However, the young ones have a very thin membranous body cover during birth, which they break open. The lifespan of armadillo lizards is said to be around 20 years in captivity. Read more on different types of lizards.
Armadillo Lizards as Pets
Even though, armadillo lizards are not endangered species, their trade is banned in South Africa. However, these lizards are very docile and hence, are preferred as pets. They don't retaliate when threatened, and instead try to hide themselves or roll themselves into a ball. In order to raise these animals as pets, you have to provide them with a suitable environment. If you have two to three armadillo lizards, you need a 20 gallon tank covered with a screen lid. The bottom of the tank must be covered with a thick layer of sand, rocks with crevices and branches. You have to clean this substrate or change it once every month. You have to use full spectrum reptile bulbs for this cage. A thermal gradient inside the enclosure will be beneficial. The enclosure must have an average temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. You must also create a basking area with a heat lamp set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a bowl of clean water, which has to be cleaned and refilled on a daily basis. Use feeder insects, like meal worms and crickets to feed your pet.
Now, you know more about armadillo lizard facts. If you are interested to learn more, conduct a research on this interesting animal. You may also acquire an armadillo lizard as a pet.
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