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Nature

Armadillo Lizard

What is armadillo lizard?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Scientific name Ouroborus cataphractus[2]
Family Cordylidae[2]
Range Western coast of South Africa[1]
Length About 25 cm (10 inches)[2]
Conservation status Vulnerable[1]

The armadillo lizard is a southern African reptile in the family Cordylidae, known for rolling into a ball and gripping its tail when threatened.

Context

The armadillo lizard is a southern African reptile in the family Cordylidae, also known as the armadillo girdled lizard or armadillo spiny-tailed lizard [2]. It is found along the western coast of South Africa, where it inhabits deserts, scrublands, and dry, rocky areas [1]. The lizard is named for its defensive behavior: it rolls into a ball and grips its tail in its mouth, much like an armadillo [2]. It grows to about 25 cm (10 inches) and is listed as vulnerable [1]. Its diet includes termites, scorpions, millipedes, spiders, and plants [1].

Documented claims

  • It is also called the armadillo girdled lizard and armadillo spiny-tailed lizard. [2]
  • It lives in deserts, scrublands, and dry, rocky areas. [1]
  • It is diurnal and gives live birth. [1]

Questions and answers

Where are armadillo lizards found in the world?

They are found along the western coast of South Africa [1].

What do armadillo lizards do?

They are diurnal and roll into a ball with their tail in their mouth when threatened [2].

Are armadillo lizards good pets?

The sources do not provide information on keeping them as pets.

Sources

  1. Armadillo lizard Facts — softschools.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Armadillo Lizard: Info, Care Guide, Pictures, Varieties, Lifespan & More | PangoVet — pangovet.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature