Smaug breyeri

Smaug breyeri
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Cordylidae
Genus: Smaug
Species:
S. breyeri
Binomial name
Smaug breyeri
(Van Dam, 1921)
Synonyms
  • Zonurus breyeri
    Van Dam, 1921
  • Cordylus warreni breyeri
    — V. FitzSimons, 1943
  • Cordylus breyeri
    — Branch, 1998
  • Smaug breyeri
    — E. Stanley et al., 2011

Smaug breyeri, also known commonly as the Waterberg dragon lizard or the Waterberg girdled lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Cordylidae. The species is endemic to South Africa.

Etymology

The specific name, breyeri, is in honor of Dutch naturalist Hermann Gottfried Breyer.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of S. breyeri is rocky areas of savanna, at altitudes of 700–1,700 m (2,300–5,600 ft).

Description

Adults of S. breyeri usually have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in), but may grow as large as 14.5 cm (5.7 in) SVL.

Reproduction

S. breyeri is viviparous. Two to four young are born in summer. Compared to adults, the neonates are quite large, each measuring about 11 cm (4.3 in) in total length (including tail).

References

  1. 1 2 Bates, M.F.; Mouton, P.L.F.N. (2018). "Smaug breyeri ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018 e.T110167723A115679902. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T110167723A115679902.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Smaug breyeri at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 20 October 2020.
  3. ↑ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Cordylus warreni breyeri, p. 38).
  4. 1 2 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. (Cordylus breyeri, p. 197 + Plate 105).

Further reading