Common Rough-scaled Lizard

About the Common Rough-scaled Lizard

Meroles squamulosa is a species of African lizard originally placed in the genus Ichnotropis, however phylogenetic evidence moves this species to the genus Meroles. The species is commonly called the common rough-scaled lizard or savanna lizard. It is largely found in southern Africa. These lizards are terrestrial and found in the range of mesic savannah. The common rough-scaled lizard is medium in size and well distributed in parts of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Angola, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Common rough-scaled lizards are medium-sized lizards each with a small head, body, and a long tail. The frontonasal is divided and has small body scales in 42 to 58 rows at the midline. The backs of these lizards are brownish grey with narrow dark blotches and rows of pale spots.

Unlike the Ichnotropis species, M. squamulosus does not have subocular scales bordering the lip. These lizards can be found in semi-arid, shrub savannas in Africa such as Ngamiland, Botswana. They dig branching burrows in the soft sand usually at the base of Acacia trees that may be shared with several individuals. These lizards are insectivorous and actively hunt during... Wikipedia →