Chalarodon

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.

Chalarodon
male, Toliara
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Opluridae
Genus: Chalarodon
Peters, 1854

Its Malagasy relatives are the iguanians of the genus Oplurus.

Species

Two species of Chalarodon exist:

ImageScientific nameDistribution
Chalarodon madagascariensis Peters, 1854Western, southern, and south eastern Madagascar
Chalarodon steinkampi Miralles, Glaw, Ratsoavina & Vences, 2015Eastern Madagascar

Habitat

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

The Madagascar sand lizards are insectivores. In addition to insects, sometimes plants are ingested, particularly in the form of leaves and roots.

Reproduction

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
  1. 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.
  2. 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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