Nucras lalandii | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Lacertidae |
Genus: | Nucras |
Species: | N. lalandii
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Binomial name | |
Nucras lalandii (
Milne-Edwards, 1829)
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Synonyms [2] | |
Nucras lalandii, also known commonly as Delalande's sandveld lizard, Delalande's spotted lizard, and Laland's lizard, is a species of wall lizard in the family of true lizards ( Lacertidae). The species is native to Southern Africa.
The specific name, lalandii, is in honor of French Naturalist Pierre Antoine Delalande. [3]
L. lalandii is found in Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa. [1] [2]
The preferred natural habitats of N. lalandii are grassland, shrubland, and savanna, at altitudes from sea level to 2,300 m (7,500 ft). [1]
N. lalandii is a large and heavy-bodied species for its genus. Adults usually have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 7.5–9.5 cm (3.0–3.7 in), but can grow to slightly more than 10 cm (3.9 in) in SVL. [4]
A terrestrial species, N. lalandii shelters under rocks or in burrows. [1]
N. lalandii is oviparous. [2] Clutch size is 3–9 eggs. Each egg measures on average 11 mm x 17.5 mm (0.43 in x 0.69 in). The eggs hatch in late January and early February. Each hatchling measures about 8 cm (3.1 in) in total length (including tail). [4]