Hemicordylus Explained

Hemicordylus, the false girdled lizards, is a genus comprising two lizard species endemic to the Cape Fold Belt of southern South Africa.

Description

Their maximum snout-to-vent length is about 76 mm. They have gracile features, with a phenotype which is described as intermediate between typical Cordylus and the larger, more robust Pseudocordylus. They have long limbs, and long slender digits. Some populations are melanistic and sexually dichromatic.^[1] The melanistic populations have been shown to be ecotypes rather than relics in the related genus Karusasaurus.^[2]

Habits

Their specialized adaptation to steep rock faces, is believed to have favoured their agility and lightly armored anatomy.^{[1] [3]} They give live birth to 1–3 young.^[1]

Species

• Hemicordylus capensis – false girdled lizard
• Hemicordylus nebulosus

Notes and References

1. Hemicordylus resurrected: Stanley . Edward L. . Between a rock and a hard polytomy: Rapid radiation in the rupicolous girdled lizards (Squamata: Cordylidae) . Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution . 58 . 53–70 . 2011 . 1 . 10.1016/j.ympev.2010.08.024. etal . 20816817.
2. Engelbrecht . Hanlie M. . P. le Fras N. Mouton . Savel R. Daniels . Are Melanistic Populations of the Karoo Girdled Lizard, Karusasaurus polyzonus, Relics or Ecotypes? A Molecular Investigation . African Zoology . Zoological Society of Southern Africa . 46 . 1 . 146–155 . 2011 . 10.3377/004.046.0105 . 84437437 .
3. Eifler et al., 2007; Janse van Rensburg,2009; Janse van Rensburg et al., 2009