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Tetradactylus fitzsimonsi

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Tetradactylus fitzsimonsi
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gerrhosauridae
Genus: Tetradactylus
Species:
T. fitzsimonsi
Binomial name
Tetradactylus fitzsimonsi
Hewitt, 1915
Map
IUCN range
  Extant (resident)
Synonyms[2]
  • Tetradactylus fitzsimonsi
    Hewitt, 2015
  • Tetradactylus africanus fitzsimonsi
    V. FitzSimons, 1943
  • Tetradactylus fitzsimonsi
    Bates et al., 2014

Tetradactylus fitzsimonsi, commonly known as Fitzsimons' long-tailed seps and FitzSimons' whip lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Gerrhosauridae. The species is endemic to South Africa.[2]

Etymology

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The specific name, fitzsimonsi, is in honour of Irish-born South African herpetologist Frederick William FitzSimons.[3]

Habitat

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The preferred natural habitats of T. fitzsimonsi are grassland and shrubland.[1]

Description

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T. fitzsimonsi has no front legs. Its hind legs are minute, with only one toe on each foot.[2] Adults may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 8 cm (3.1 in) and a total length (including a long tail) of about 34 cm (13 in).[4]

Reproduction

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T. fitzsimonsi is oviparous. A clutch of 2–5 eggs is laid in a live ant nest (Anochetus faurei). Communal nesting has been observed. Each egg measures about 1.5 cm × 1.0 cm (0.59 in × 0.39 in). Each hatchling has a total length (including tail) of about 12.5 cm (4.9 in).[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b Conradie, W.; Tolley, K.A.; Weeber, J.; Pietersen, D.; Alexander, G.J. (2022). "Tetradactylus fitzsimonsi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T110221422A197427541. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T110221422A197427541.en. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "Tetradactylus fitzsimonsi ". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 2007-12-30.
  3. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Tetradactylus africanus fitzsimonsi, p. 91).
  4. ^ a b 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. (Tetradactylus africanus fitzsimonsi, p. 182 + Plate 50).


Further reading

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