Armadillo Girdled Lizard, Ouroborus cataphractus | ©Trevor Hardaker
Clanwilliam, South Africa.
Ouroborus cataphractus [Syn. Cordylus cataphractus F. Boie, 1828] is a lizard endemic to desert areas of southern Africa.
Armadillo lizards are named for their appearance when in a defensive position. When threatened, they curl up, grip the tail in their jaws, and form a tight, armored ball, resembling an armadillo. Rows of spiny osteodermate scales covering the neck, body, tail, and limbs deter predators from seizing or swallowing these lizards. This position protects the soft underside of the lizard, which is its most vulnerable area.
Like other species of armadillo lizards, Ouroborus cataphractus has the ability to drop their own tail (autotomy) when in danger, and can grow it back slowly. But, unlike many other lizards, in this species the tail is a necessary part of its unique defensive position. Because of this, the lizard will not part with the tail easily or quickly and tail autotomy is used only as a last resort. That is why in many of the photographs of these lizards is common to appear biting its tail.
The Armadillo lizards have an unusual appearance and are rather easy to catch. They are captured and sold in the commercial pet trade to other countries, although collecting this species is illegal.
This species is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Reptilia - Squamata - Cordylidae - Ouroborus - O. cataphractus
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