Cordylus vittifer (Reichenow, 1887)

Snout-to-Vent Length

This species, Cordylus vittifer, reaches approximately 95 mm in snout-to-vent length.

Femoral Pores

In some populations, female individuals lack femoral pores.

Dorsal Scale Distinguishing Feature

Transvaal girdled lizards (Cordylus vittifer) can be distinguished from most other girdled lizards by the elongated first row of dorsal scales that sits directly behind the head.

Dorsal Scale Length Comparison

These elongated scales are roughly twice as long from base to tip as the subsequent dorsal scales on the neck.

Dorsal Coloration Variability

Dorsal coloration of the species is variable. It can range from uniform straw brown to dark brown, or display irregular dark spots with orange-yellow flanks.

Dorsal Midline Stripe

A pale stripe often runs along the midline of the back.

Distinct Regional Population

A population found in the northeastern Free State, South Africa has distinct dark lateral stripes and may qualify as a separate, distinct species.