Knox's Ocellated Sand Lizard
Meroles knoxii
Silhouette: Gustav Mützel · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyLacertidae (Wall Lizards)
- GenusMeroles (Desert Lizards)
- SpeciesMeroles knoxii (Knox's Ocellated Sand Lizard)
About the Knox's Ocellated Sand Lizard
Meroles knoxii, also known commonly as Knox's desert lizard and Knox's ocellated sand lizard, is a species of sand-dwelling lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is native to southern Africa. The specific name, knoxii, is in honor of Scottish anatomist Robert Knox.
Adults of M. knoxii usually have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 5.5–6.5 cm (2.2–2.6 in). The ear openings are visible. The toes are slightly fringed. Dorsally, the body is brownish, with a striped and spotted pattern. Ventrally, it is bluish gray to cream-colored, except during breeding season when males have a bright yellow chin, throat, and anal region.
M. knoxii occurs in Namibia and South Africa. The preferred natural habitat of M. knoxii is shrubland. M. knoxii is terrestrial, diurnal, and active, dashing across sandy soil from shrub to shrub. M. knoxii preys upon beetles, flies, and other insects.
M. knoxii is oviparous. Duméril AMC, Bibron G (1839). Erpétologie générale ou Histoire naturelle complète des Reptiles. Tome cinquième [Volume 5]. Paris: Roret.... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Knox's Ocellated Sand Lizard in Namib-Naukluft National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Namib-Naukluft National Park
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Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Namib-Naukluft National Park | 🇳🇦 Namibia | |
| 2 | Table Mountain National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Knox's Ocellated Sand Lizard in Namib-Naukluft National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Knox's Ocellated Sand Lizard sighting in Namib-Naukluft National Park, based on 13 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Knox's Ocellated Sand Lizard in Namib-Naukluft National Park?
November has the highest sighting rate for Knox's Ocellated Sand Lizard in Namib-Naukluft National Park in our monthly data.