Ichnotropis capensis

Ichnotropis capensis is a species of African lizards in the genus Ichnotropis. They are the type species for the genus Ichnotropis are commonly called cape rough-scaled lizards as they are largely found in southern Africa’s cape region. The cape rough-scaled lizards are terrestrial and found in the range of grassland, desert and brush areas of southern Africa north of cape colony. The cape rough-scaled lizard are small in size and distributed in parts of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia.^[2]

Description

I. capensis are medium-sized lizards with slender bodies, long tails, and well developed legs.^[3] Most of this specimens found are less than 76mm long in snout–to-vent length (SVL) and share common characteristics of the genus Ichnotropis. ^[3]

Identification of Ichnotropis includes the following:^[3]

• Cylindrical tail without lateral fringe
• Toes without serrated or fringed edge
• Smooth or tubular lamellae under toes
• Subocular scales bordering lip
• No collar present
• Keeled or overlapping dorsal scales
• Head shields smooth or slightly rough

The I. capensis species has a notable distinction from the genus in that the hind legs do not reach the underarm of the forelimbs.^[4] The adults have uniform grey and yellowish brown backs with white lateral stripes that may be bordered with dark black spots.^[3] The juveniles have pale grey and brown back with white lateral stripes.^[3]

Habitat

I. capensis can be found in semi-arid, shrub savannas in Africa.^[5] There are records that report this species in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia. These lizards seek shelter in soft soiled burrows, under rocks and brush. These species are found in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia of southern Africa's cape.

Biology

These lizards are insectivorous and feed on termites and other small insects.^[3] They are active hunters during the day and many specimens have been found around termite mounds.^[6]

Mating

I. capensis has a life expectancy of 13 to 14 months, mating in the spring with hatchlings appearing in late summer from October to December.^[3] Females make an inclining burrow in soft soil 100 to 200mm long and lay 3-9 eggs (6.5mm x 9.5mm).^[3] The females may have up to two clutches in their lifetime.^[3]

Taxonomy and evolution

Based on morphological evidence from the capensis species the South African genus Ichnotropis and the North American genus Psammodromus diverged from a common ancestor from the lineage of Lacerta lepida and Lacerta monticola during the Oligocene epoch (24 to 36 million years ago).^[7]

Predators

Recorded as prey of the Shikra or Little banded goshawk that is a bird of prey indigenous to Africa^[8] They may have other predators as they are small lizards, but there is no evidence that shows they are endangered or hunted by indigenous people who live near their habitat. There are no reports of these lizards causing harm sufficiently hunted to be considered threatened.

References