East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard
ExploreReptiles
East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard
cordylus tropidosternum
The East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard is a fun and spiky little creature! It loves to bask in the sun and can often be found sunning itself on rocks.
Habitat: They live in dry, rocky areas and grasslands of East Africa.
Appearance
The East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard has a flattened body covered in rough, keeled scales, giving it a somewhat bumpy texture. Its most striking feature is its robust, spiny tail. Typically dull brown or grey, it often has a lighter, yellowish underside.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataFamilyCordylidaeGenusCordylus
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
If caught by a predator, they can drop their tail to escape!
Their tough scales act like armor, protecting them from danger.
These lizards love to sunbathe on rocks to warm up their bodies!
They give birth to live babies, not eggs, which is rare for lizards!
Special abilities
Ability
Spiny Shield Tail
East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard has a spiky tail that helps them wedge into rock crevices for defense.
Ability
Sun Power Recharge
East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard can bask in the sun to warm its body, which helps them move quickly.
Ability
Armored Scales
East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard has tough, keeled scales that help them protect against scratches and predators.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-20 cm
- Weight
- 0.02-0.05 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 12 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-4
Diet & Feeding
These lizards munch on insects, small invertebrates, and various types of plant matter!
Primary Foods
- crickets
- beetles
- grasshoppers
- caterpillars
- leaves
- flowers
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Tawny Eagle
Aquila rapax
hunted by birds of prey
eaten by
Egyptian Cobra
Naja haje
preyed upon by snakes
eats
Field Cricket
Gryllus assimilis
preys on various insects
eats
Mealworm Beetle
Tenebrio molitor
eats larval forms of insects
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
African Spiny-Tailed LizardSpiny LizardTropical Spiny-Tailed Lizard
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch lizards from a distance and do not try to pick them up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard?
15-20 cm
How much does East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard weigh?
0.02-0.05 kg
How long does East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard live?
5-10 years
How fast can East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard move?
12 km/h
What does East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard eat?
These lizards munch on insects, small invertebrates, and various types of plant matter!
Where is East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard usually found?
They live in dry, rocky areas and grasslands of East Africa.
How does East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does East African Spiny-Tailed Lizard lay?
1-4
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