# Ichnotropis microlepidota

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***Ichnotropis microlepidota*** is a [species](/source/Species) of [African](/source/Africa) [lizard](/source/Lizard) in the [family](/source/Family_(taxonomy)) [Lacertidae](/source/Lacertidae). It is [commonly](/source/Common_name) called **Marx's rough-scaled lizard** and is [endemic](/source/Endemic) to [Angola](/source/Angola).[2][3] *I. microlepidota* is a terrestrial lizard and was first discovered at the foot of [Mount Moco](/source/Mount_Moco).[2][3]

## Description

*I. microlepidota* is a medium-sized lizard with a slender body, long tail, and well developed legs.[4] Most of the specimens found are less than 52 mm (2.0 in) long in [snout–to-vent length](/source/Snout%E2%80%93to-vent_length) (SVL) and share the common characteristics of the genus *[Ichnotropis](/source/Ichnotropis)*: [4]

- Cylindrical tail without [lateral](/source/Lateral_(anatomy)) fringe
- Toes without [serrated](/source/Serrated) or fringed edge
- Smooth or tubular [lamellae](/source/Lamella_(anatomy)) under toes
- [Subocular](/source/Subocular) scales bordering lip
- No collar present
- [Keeled](/source/Keeled_scales) or overlapping dorsal scales
- Head shields smooth or slightly rough

*I. microlepidota* is similar to *[Ichnotropis bivittata](/source/Ichnotropis_bivittata)* except *I. microlepidota* has a wider body.[1]

## Biology

*I. microlepidota* is [insectivorous](/source/Insectivorous) and feeds on termites and other small insects.[4] It is an active hunter during the day.

### Taxonomy and evolution

Based on morphological evidence, the South African genus *Ichnotropis* and the North American genus *[Psammodromus](/source/Psammodromus)* diverged from the lineage of *[Lacerta lepida](/source/Lacerta_lepida)* and *Lacerta monticola* during the [Oligocene](/source/Oligocene) epoch (24 to 36 million years ago).[5]

### Predators

*I. microlepidota* has been recorded as prey of *[Melierax metabates](/source/Melierax_metabates)*, the chanting goshawk, a bird of prey [indigenous](/source/Indigenous_(ecology)) to Africa.[1]

## References

1. [Marx H](/source/Hyman_Marx) (1956). "A new lacertid lizard from Angola". *Fieldiana: Zoology* **39**: 5–9. (*Ichnotropis microlepidota*, new species).

1. Ceríaco, L.M.P.; Baptista, N.; Conradie, W. (2020). "*Ichnotropis microlepidota*". Vol. 2020. [doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T44929734A44929746.en](https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T44929734A44929746.en). Retrieved 19 June 2024.

1. [Branch, Bill](/source/William_Roy_Branch) (1998). *Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa*. Third Revised edition. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik Publishers. ISBN 978-1868720408. (Genus *Ichnotropis*, pp. 160–162).

1. Busack, Stephen; Maxson, Linda (1986). "Molecular relationships among Iberian, Moroccan, and South African lacertid lizards (Reptilia: Lacertidae)". *Amphibia-Reptilia* **8**: 383-392.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Ichnotropis microlepidota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichnotropis_microlepidota) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichnotropis_microlepidota?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.