Meroles knoxii

Meroles knoxii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Lacertidae
Genus: Meroles
Species:
M. knoxii
Binomial name
Meroles knoxii
Synonyms
  • Eremias knoxii
    (Milne-Edwards, 1829)
  • Lacerta knoxii
    Milne-Edwards, 1829
  • Scapteira knoxii
    (Milne-Edwards, 1829)
  • Scaptira knoxii
    (Milne-Edwards, 1829)
  • Scaptira knoxii pequensis
    Hewitt, 1935

Meroles knoxii, also known commonly as Knox's desert lizard and Knox's ocellated sand lizard, is a species of sand-dwelling lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is native to southern Africa.

Etymology

The specific name, knoxii, is in honor of Scottish anatomist Robert Knox.

Description

Adults of M. knoxii usually have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 5.5–6.5 cm (2.2–2.6 in). The ear openings are visible. The toes are slightly fringed. Dorsally, the body is brownish, with a striped and spotted pattern. Ventrally, it is bluish gray to cream-colored, except during breeding season when males have a bright yellow chin, throat, and anal region.

Geographic range

M. knoxii occurs in Namibia and South Africa.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of M. knoxii is shrubland.

Behavior

M. knoxii is terrestrial, diurnal, and active, dashing across sandy soil from shrub to shrub.

Diet

M. knoxii preys upon beetles, flies, and other insects.

Reproduction

M. knoxii is oviparous.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Tolley, K.A.; Turner, A.A. (2018). "Meroles knoxii ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018 e.T196984A115664614. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T196984A115664614.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Meroles knoxii at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 5 May 2019.
  3. ↑ Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Meroles knoxii, p. 143).
  4. 1 2 3 Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Meroles knoxii, p. 166 + Plate 57).

Further reading