Regal girdled lizard
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Endemic, SVL 125-135 mm, max SVL 143 mm.
This species is closely related to Gorongosa girdled lizard. It is large with a flattened body. The nasals are separated by the rostral and the frontonasal. There are 4-8 (usually 6-7) occipitals. The dorsal scales are spinose and in 34-40 transverse rows. There is a pair of enlarged preanal plates, and only males have 7-11 femoral pores on each thigh. The tail has whorls of spiny scales, that are largest on the sides. Males develop bright breeding colours. Females and juveniles have pale brown heads and dark brown backs, with transverse rows of small cream spots that are more numerous on the neck. The flanks are yellowish brown with vague yellow vertical bars. The body is grey-brown below with dark brown mottling on the throat; the lower lips are dull red. Breeding males have a blackish backs that lack cream spots; their flanks are bright orange to yellow in colour. The chin and belly are also yellowish, and the throat dark and mottled. Biology and breeding : A shy species that prefers to shelter in large cracks in shaded boulders, and rarely moves from cover. The diet consist mainly of millipedes and beetles, but can be supplemented with spiders, catepillars, grasshoppers and other large insects. Four to six young (90-115 mm TL) are normally born in midsummer. Habitat : Prefers granite outcrops in miombo savannah. Range : Found in SE Mutare District of Zimbambwe.