ExploreReptiles

Large-Scale Grass Lizard

chamaesaura macrolepis

The Large-Scale Grass Lizard is a fascinating reptile that loves to bask in the sun. With its large, scaly body and quick movements, it is a master of camouflage in grassy areas!

Habitat: Open grasslands and savannahs in warm climates.

Appearance

The Large-Scale Grass Lizard has an exceptionally long, slender body with tiny, reduced limbs, making it look snake-like. Its body is covered in large, keeled scales and typically appears in shades of brown, olive-green, or grey to blend seamlessly into tall grasses.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataFamilyCordylidaeGenusChamaesaura
Large-Scale Grass Lizard
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecarnivorous trait badgediurnal trait badge
Large-Scale Grass Lizard

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite having legs, it often moves by wiggling like a snake through dense grasses.

Its body can be up to three times longer than its head, thanks to an incredibly long tail!

These lizards are sometimes called "snake-lizards" because of their very long body and reduced limbs.

They can hold their breath for several minutes to hide from airborne threats in water puddles.

Special abilities

Ability

Tail Escape Artist

Large-Scale Grass Lizard can drop its tail if grabbed, wiggling to distract a predator and allow the lizard to escape.

Ability

Live Birth Lizard

Large-Scale Grass Lizard has live birth (viviparity) which helps its young avoid egg predators and develop safely inside the mother.

Ability

Grass Camouflage

Large-Scale Grass Lizard has a sleek, often striped body coloration that helps it blend perfectly into the tall grass, hiding from predators.

Ability

Scale Shield

Large-Scale Grass Lizard has large, tough, keeled scales that provide extra protection against rough vegetation and potential attackers.

Measurements & details

Length
30-70 cm
Weight
0.03-0.1 kg
Lifespan
5-8 years
Top Speed
15 km/h
Clutch Size
2-6

Diet & Feeding

This lizard is a skilled hunter of small insects and other tiny invertebrates found in the grass.

Primary Foods

  • Crickets
  • Grasshoppers
  • Spiders
  • Beetle larvae
  • Termites

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Jackal Buzzard

Buteo rufofuscus

A common bird of prey in its habitat.

eaten by

Boomslang

Dispholidus typus

A tree snake that hunts lizards.

hunts

African Field Cricket

Gryllus bimaculatus

A primary food source in its grassy environment.

hunts

Migratory Locust

Locusta migratoria

A large insect prey abundant in its habitat.

Traits

Also known as

Grass LizardSun LizardSwift Lizard

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always observe lizards from a distance; they are wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Large-Scale Grass Lizard?

30-70 cm

How much does Large-Scale Grass Lizard weigh?

0.03-0.1 kg

How long does Large-Scale Grass Lizard live?

5-8 years

How fast can Large-Scale Grass Lizard move?

15 km/h

What does Large-Scale Grass Lizard eat?

This lizard is a skilled hunter of small insects and other tiny invertebrates found in the grass.

Where is Large-Scale Grass Lizard usually found?

Open grasslands and savannahs in warm climates.

How does Large-Scale Grass Lizard hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Large-Scale Grass Lizard lay?

2-6

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Where to spot

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