Bushveld lizard
adult and subadult
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Lacertidae
Genus: Heliobolus
Species:
H. lugubris
Binomial name
Heliobolus lugubris
(A. Smith, 1838)
Synonyms
  • Lacerta lugubris Smith, 1838[2]
  • Eremias lugubris – Duméril & Bibron, 1839

Heliobolus lugubris, also known commonly as the bushveld lizard, mourning racerunner, or the black and yellow sand lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is found in Southern Africa: southern Angola, Namibia, Botswana, southwestern Zimbabwe, southern Mozambique, and south-central to northern South Africa.[1][3]

Mimicry

Juveniles of H. lugubris are black with light spots and move with a hunched gait, mimicking the appearance of Anthia ground beetles. This mimicry is thought to discourage predation, as the beetles spray formic acid as a defense mechanism and are thus less appealing targets for predators. This is one of very few recorded examples of a vertebrate mimicking an invertebrate.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 Alexander, G.J.; Tolley, K.A. (2021). "Heliobolus lugubris". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T196975A147689194. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T196975A147689194.en. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  2. ↑ Smith, Andrew (1838). "Contributions to the Natural History of Southern Africa". Magazine of Natural History. 2: 93. (Lacerta lugubris, new species).
  3. ↑ Heliobolus lugubris at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 25 February 2023.
  4. ↑ Huey, RB; Pianka, ER (January 1977). "Natural selection for juvenile lizards mimicking noxious beetles". Science. 195 (4274): 201–203. Bibcode:1977Sci...195..201H. doi:10.1126/science.831272. PMID 831272.

Further reading

  • Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Heliobolus lugubris, p. 161 + Plate 57).


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