Chalarodon
Template:Short description Template:Italic title Template:Automatic Taxobox Chalarodon is a genus of Malagasy terrestrial iguanian lizard. It was considered a monotypic genus, until in 2015 a second species, Chalarodon steinkampi, was recognised based on morphology and DNA sequence data.<ref name="Miralles2015">Template:Cite journal</ref> The common names of this genus include Chalarodon or Dangalia lizard.
Its Malagasy relatives are the iguanians of the genus Oplurus.
Species
Two species of Chalarodon exist:
| Image | Scientific name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|
 |
Chalarodon madagascariensis Peters, 1854 | Western, southern, and south eastern Madagascar |
| Chalarodon steinkampi Miralles, Glaw, Ratsoavina & Vences, 2015 | Eastern Madagascar |
Habitat
Members of this genus inhabit semi-arid to arid regions and almost entirely open, or very sparsely vegetated habitats with sandy soil in southern, western, and south eastern Madagascar.<ref name=GlawVences07>Template:Cite book</ref>
Nutrition
The Madagascar sand lizards are insectivores. In addition to insects, sometimes plants are ingested, particularly in the form of leaves and roots.
Reproduction
During the mating season, males defend territories with threat displays and combat.<ref name="GlawVences07"/> Copulation is very brief, and females lay pairs of eggs between December and March.<ref name="GlawVences07"/>