Chalarodon
| Chalarodon | |
|---|---|
_male_Toliara.jpg)
| |
| male, Toliara | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Opluridae |
| Genus: | Chalarodon Peters, 1854 |
Chalarodon is a genus of Malagasy terrestrial iguanian lizard. It was considered a monotypic genus, until in 2015 a second species, Chalarodon steinkampi, was recognised based on morphology and DNA sequence data.[1] The common names of this genus include Chalarodon or Dangalia lizard.
Its Malagasy relatives are the iguanians of the genus Oplurus.
Species
[edit]Two species of Chalarodon exist:
| Image | Scientific name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|
 |
Chalarodon madagascariensis Peters, 1854 | Western, southern, and south eastern Madagascar |
| Chalarodon steinkampi Miralles, Glaw, Ratsoavina & Vences, 2015 | Eastern Madagascar |
Habitat
[edit]Members of this genus inhabit semi-arid to arid regions and almost entirely open, or very sparsely vegetated habitats with sandy soil in southern, western, and south eastern Madagascar.[2]
Nutrition
[edit]The Madagascar sand lizards are insectivores. In addition to insects, sometimes plants are ingested, particularly in the form of leaves and roots.
Reproduction
[edit]During the mating season, males defend territories with threat displays and combat.[2] Copulation is very brief, and females lay pairs of eggs between December and March.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ Miralles, Aurelien; Glaw, Frank; Ratsoavina, Fanomezana; Vences, Miguel (2015). "A likely microendemic new species of terrestrial iguana, genus Chalarodon, from Madagascar". Zootaxa. 3946 (2): 201–20. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3946.2.3. PMID 25947685.
- ^ a b c Glaw, Frank; Vences, Miguel (2007). A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar (3rd ed.). Köln: Vences & Glaw Verlags. ISBN 978-3-929449-03-7.
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