Also called the armadillo girdled lizard, the armadillo lizard (Ouroborus cataphractus) is a kind of lizard commonly found in the western parts of South Africa. Best known for its defensive adaptation, the armadillo lizard rolls into a ball by taking its tail in its mouth. This position, which gives this lizard its name, protects its underbelly when threatened while exposing the hard scales and spines along its head, body, and tail. It will hold this posture until the danger passes. Characterized as diurnal and territorial, the armadillo lizard inhabits the crevices of rocks in groups where the males are noted to protect these territories.
The Armadillo Lizard has an overall length between 3”-3.5” (7.5-9 cm), body width of .6”-.8” (1.5-2 cm), body height of .39”-.55” (1-1.4 cm), and weight between 1.8-3.5 oz (50-100 g). The typical lifespan of the Armadillo Lizard is between 10-25 years.
Also called the armadillo girdled lizard, the armadillo lizard (Ouroborus cataphractus) is a kind of lizard commonly found in the western parts of South Africa. Best known for its defensive adaptation, the armadillo lizard rolls into a ball by taking its tail in its mouth. This position, which gives this lizard its name, protects its underbelly when threatened while exposing the hard scales and spines along its head, body, and tail. It will hold this posture until the danger passes. Characterized as diurnal and territorial, the armadillo lizard inhabits the crevices of rocks in groups where the males are noted to protect these territories.
The Armadillo Lizard has an overall length between 3”-3.5” (7.5-9 cm), body width of .6”-.8” (1.5-2 cm), body height of .39”-.55” (1-1.4 cm), and weight between 1.8-3.5 oz (50-100 g). The typical lifespan of the Armadillo Lizard is between 10-25 years.
