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Chalarodon

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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

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.

Its Malagasy relatives are the iguanians of the genus Oplurus.

Species

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Two species of Chalarodon exist:

Image Scientific name Distribution
Chalarodon madagascariensis Peters, 1854 Western, southern, and south eastern Madagascar
Chalarodon steinkampi Miralles, Glaw, Ratsoavina & Vences, 2015 Eastern Madagascar

Habitat

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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

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

Reproduction

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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

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  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. ^ a b c 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.