Ichnotropis microlepidota is a species of African lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is commonly called Marx's rough-scaled lizard and is endemic to Angola.[1][3] I. microlepidota is a terrestrial lizard and was first discovered at the foot of Mount Moco.[1][3]
| Ichnotropis microlepidota | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Lacertidae |
| Genus: | Ichnotropis |
| Species: | I. microlepidota
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ichnotropis microlepidota | |
Description
editI. microlepidota is a medium-sized lizard with a slender body, long tail, and well developed legs.[4] Most of the specimens found are less than 52 mm (2.0 in) long in snout–to-vent length (SVL) and share the common characteristics of the genus Ichnotropis: [4]
- Cylindrical tail without lateral fringe
- Toes without serrated or fringed edge
- Smooth or tubular lamellae under toes
- Subocular scales bordering lip
- No collar present
- Keeled or overlapping dorsal scales
- Head shields smooth or slightly rough
I. microlepidota is similar to Ichnotropis bivittata except I. microlepidota has a wider body.[2]
Biology
editI. microlepidota is insectivorous and feeds on termites and other small insects.[4] It is an active hunter during the day.
Taxonomy and evolution
editBased 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).[5]
Predators
editI. microlepidota has been recorded as prey of Melierax metabates, the chanting goshawk, a bird of prey indigenous to Africa.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c Ceríaco, L.M.P.; Baptista, N.; Conradie, W. (2020). "Ichnotropis microlepidota". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T44929734A44929746. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T44929734A44929746.en. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
- ^ a b c Marx H (1956). "A new lacertid lizard from Angola". Fieldiana: Zoology 39: 5–9. (Ichnotropis microlepidota, new species).
- ^ a b Ichnotropis microlepidota at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 19 June 2024.
- ^ a b c Branch, Bill (1998). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik Publishers. ISBN 978-1868720408. (Genus Ichnotropis, pp. 160–162).
- ^ Busack, Stephen; Maxson, Linda (1986). "Molecular relationships among Iberian, Moroccan, and South African lacertid lizards (Reptilia: Lacertidae)". Amphibia-Reptilia 8: 383-392.