Meroles squamulosus (Peters, 1854)

Morphology Overview

Common rough-scaled lizards (Meroles squamulosus) are medium-sized lizards with small heads and bodies, paired with a long tail.

Scale Arrangement

Their frontonasal scale is divided, and their small body scales are arranged in 42 to 58 rows along the midline.

Coloration

The back is brownish grey, marked with narrow dark blotches and rows of pale spots.

Distinguishing Scale Features

Unlike species in the genus Ichnotropis, M. squamulosus does not have subocular scales that border the lip.

Habitat Range

This lizard occurs in semi-arid shrub savanna habitats in Africa, including the Ngamiland region of Botswana.

Burrowing Behavior

It digs branching burrows in soft sand, typically at the base of Acacia trees, and these burrows may be shared by multiple individuals.