Ichnotropis microlepidota

Ichnotropis microlepidota is a species of African lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is commonly called Marx's rough-scaled lizard and is largely found in Angola, Africa. I. microlepidota is a terrestrial lizard and was first discovered at the foot of Mount Moco.

Ichnotropis microlepidota
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Lacertidae
Genus: Ichnotropis
Species:
I. microlepidota
Binomial name
Ichnotropis microlepidota
Marx, 1956[1]

Description

I. microlepidota is a medium-sized lizard with a slender body, long tail, and well developed legs.[2] Most of the specimens found are less than 52 mm (2.0 in) long in snout–to-vent length (SVL) and share common characteristics of the genus Ichnotropis. [2]

Identification of Ichnotropis includes the following:[2]

  • 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.[1]

Biology

I. microlepidota is insectivorous and feeds on termites and other small insects.[2] It is an active hunter during the day.

Taxonomy and evolution

Based 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).[3]

Predators

I. microlepidota has been recorded as prey of Melierax metabates, the chanting goshawk, a bird of prey indigenous to Africa[1]

References
  1. Marx H (1956). "A new lacertid lizard from Angola". Fieldiana: Zoology 39: 5-9. (Ichnotropis microlepidota, new species).
  2. 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).
  3. Busack, Stephen; Maxson, Linda (1986). "Molecular relationships among Iberian, Moroccan, and South African lacertid lizards (Reptilia: Lacertidae)". Amphibia-Reptilia 8: 383-392.
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