Nucras tessellata (Smith, 1838)

Size and Body Shape

Nucras tessellata is a slender, whip-tailed lizard that reaches an overall length of approximately 25 cm. Around two-thirds of its total length is made up by its tail, which acts as a rudder during the lizard’s very rapid dashes.

Breeding Coloration

When in breeding coloration, the lizard shows strong black and white striping across its forequarters, while its hindquarters and tail turn a bright orange-brown.

Non-breeding Coloration

Outside of the breeding season, it retains striping along the full length of its body.

Activity Pattern and Preferred Prey

Nucras tessellata is most active during the morning and evening, when it hunts for its preferred prey: scorpions.

Supplementary Diet

It supplements its diet with spiders, grasshoppers, termites, and beetles, which it often digs out of these prey animals’ daytime retreats.

Habitat Range and Elevation

This lizard occurs across multiple habitat types, including savanna, karoo, and fynbos, at elevations ranging from 20 m (66 ft) to 1,500 m (4,921 ft) above sea level.

Microhabitat Preferences

While it is a secretive species, it is frequently found in dry river beds or sandy areas with scattered rocks.