Karusasaurus Explained

Karusasaurus, commonly known as Karusa lizards, is a genus of lizards in the family Cordylidae.^{[1] [2]}

Its species were previously considered to be included in the genus Cordylus, but more recent studies have shown that they are distinct enough to have their own genus.^[3]

Description and distribution

Karusasaurus contains two species, which are widely distributed across the southern part of Africa, specifically, in the semi-arid areas of South Africa and Namibia.^{[4] [5]} Like all girdled lizards, they are insectivores. They come in a great range of colors, including black, red, and turquoise.^[6]

Species

• Karusasaurus jordani – Jordan's girdled lizard, Namibian girdled lizard
• Karusasaurus polyzonus – Karoo girdled lizard, southern Karusa lizard

Nota bene

A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Karusasaurus.

Further reading

• Stanley, Edward L.

Bauer, Aaron M.; Jackman, Todd R.; Branch, William R., Mouton, P. Le Fras N. (2011). "Between a rock and a hard polytomy: Rapid radiation in the rupicolous girdled lizards (Squamata: Cordylidae)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 58: 53–70. (Karusasaurus, new genus, p. 66).

Notes and References

1. Web site: Karusasaurus . iSpot. 1 May 2018.
2. Web site: Taxonomic tree. Catalogue of Life. 2 May 2018.
3. Mouton, P.L.F.N. . species:Pieter Le Fras Nortier Mouton . 2018 . Karusasaurus polyzonus . 2018 . e.T110161123A115675844 . 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T110161123A115675844.en . 12 November 2021.
4. Web site: Karausasaurus . The Reptile Database. 1 May 2018.
5. Web site: Karusasaurus Stanley, Bauer, Jackman, Branch & Mouton, 2011. GBIF. 2 May 2018.
6. Web site: Karusasaurus . American Museum of Natural History. 1 May 2018.