Added November 2024.
Ouroborus was long considered part of the genus Cordylus genus, but recent studies have elevated it to its own genus. It has a restricted distribution in the southwest of the Republic of South Africa, and for this reason is not readily available. Long considered highly desirable, its present rarity is such that I would encourage people to think twice before purchasing one, even if they can afford the high price usually demanded. In addition this appears to be a species that lives in family groups, and therefore captivity of single individuals would seem less than ideal. Really only those private hobbyists or zoos who are conscientious about breeding, and therefore obtaining at least a pair, should be keeping these.
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Scientific Name |
Common Name |
Distribution |
Size |
Notes |
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Ouroborus |
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O. cataphractus |
Armadillo Girdled Lizard |
SW RSA |
6-8" |
Thickset lizard with flattened body and broad head. It is heavily armoured, and is perhaps best known for its defensive tactic of taking its tail in its mouth, thus presenting an almost impossible food item for most predators. It is in fact quite wary. Although this species was once available in the pet trade, it is now listed in the South African Red Book, not least because of continuing illegal collecting. It lives in large cracks in low rock outcrops where it forms family groups. Branch notes that there have even been reports of captive specimens feeding their young. Scalation details [Branch]: nasals in contact, separating the rostral and frontonasal: 6 large keeled occipitals: scales on side of neck have sharp spines. Dorsal scales: 15-17 broad bands of spiny scales around body: these are sometimes assymetrical. Other: tail ringed with large spines: males have 13-16 femoral pores on each side. Coloration: dorsally plain or "dirty" brown [Branch] to yellow-brown, with dark brown upper lips. Throat is yellow (esp. in males) or violet, with dark brown blotches. Ventrally yellow with darker "infusions", esp. on inner surfaces of limbs. Reproduction: sexual maturity. B I |
Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of South Africa, Bill Branch. Very comprehensive and useful guide to the reptiles of the subcontinent, giving identification details, common and scientific names and a brief summary of known ecology for each species.
Echsen [Lizards] 2, Manfred Rogner, Ulmer, Stuttgart 1994. Lists a few representative Cordylus species with useful details on husbandry of captives.
Keeping and Breeding Lizards, Chris Mattison, Blandford Press. Also contains useful husbandry tips.