Observation of Cordylus Tropidosternum (Little dragons)

I have here, a pair of Cordylus Tropidosternum, which take several other names such as tropical girdled lizards or armadillo lizards. Although they are not, in fact, armadillo lizards, but they reside as a relative to that originally named, the Cordylus Cataphractus. The Tropidosternum are usually available in the pet trade, though not very common. They are often sought after because of their look-alikes, the Cataphractus, but the real Cataphractus is a threatened species. These are still, though, a fascinating animal. They come from a genus that serves as one of few oviparous reptiles (giving birth to live young).

If we are following evolution, we see that reptiles came from amphibians who braved crawling upon land. Amphibians lay eggs that have pores in the shell, to provide water to the embryo. Upon becoming what was the first reptiles, there was a remarkable adaptation that provided a water and nutrients supply to the embryo all inside the egg, without the need for resting in water or a mother to care for it. Therapsids originated in Africa. In the South of the same continent, so did the Cordylidae.

Though many lizards can be tame with their owners if handled carefully and maintained a relationship (more so with the intelligent sort, like monitors), I’ve found these guys to be very shy. They love to dig and burrow into sand. When I first got them, I had built a large cave out of many rocks and they stayed inside most of the time.

They are often described as fairly social, as I can confirm they got along very well, just the two. I wish I had the opportunity to observe them in a large group. Moderately fond of water, but not fair swimmers! My first environment for them had a small pool with a gravel, only about two centimeters of water. I added a 10gal. pump at some point, which required me to add more water. Poor little one was struggling to get out of the water after being submerged, but I caught her and let her out in the sand.


In conclusion, very cool, tame lizards. Very much like little dragons.

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