Broadleysaurus major (Duméril, 1851)

Scientific Name and Size

The Sudan plated lizard, scientifically named Broadleysaurus major (Duméril, 1851), is a medium-sized lizard that reaches a total length of 20 to 24 inches. Its tail makes up less than half of its total body length.

Body and Limb Structure

This species has stout bodies, short limbs, and moderately broad tails. It is easily identified by its heavily armored appearance.

Scale and Skull Features

The body and tail are covered in transverse bands of mostly square, plate-like keeled scales, and the head shields are fused to the skull. This armored appearance gives the lizard a look similar to the common popular perception of Mesozoic reptiles.

Coloration

Its color ranges from tawny to grayish brown to dark brown, with cream-colored spots or striping, and it has a pale underside.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males are typically larger than females, and they can develop bright-colored throats during breeding season.

Geographic Range

The Sudan plated lizard lives in parts of eastern and central Africa, including Tanzania (including the Zanzibar island archipelago), Kenya, and Mozambique.

Habitat Preferences

It prefers rocky, semi-open areas within coastal woodland, thicket, moist savannah, and dry savannah habitats, and it seems to especially favor rock piles and crevices.