Laland's Lizard

About the Laland's Lizard

Nucras lalandii, also known commonly as Delalande's sandveld lizard, Delalande's spotted lizard, and Laland's lizard, is a species of wall lizard in the family of true lizards (Lacertidae). The species is native to Southern Africa.

The specific name, lalandii, is in honor of French Naturalist Pierre Antoine Delalande. L. lalandii is found in Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa. The preferred natural habitats of N. lalandii are grassland, shrubland, and savanna, at altitudes from sea level to 2,300 m (7,500 ft).

N. lalandii is a large and heavy-bodied species for its genus. Adults usually have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 7.5–9.5 cm (3.0–3.7 in), but can grow to slightly more than 10 cm (3.9 in) in SVL. A terrestrial species, N. lalandii shelters under rocks or in burrows.

N. lalandii is oviparous. Clutch size is 3–9 eggs. Each egg measures on average 11 mm x 17.5 mm (0.43 in x 0.69 in). The eggs hatch in late January and early February. Each hatchling measures about 8 cm (3.1 in) in total length (including tail).

Boulenger GA (1887). Catalogue... Wikipedia →