Jerdon's cabrita facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jerdon's cabrita
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Lacertidae
Genus:	Ophisops
Species:	O. jerdonii
Binomial name
Ophisops jerdonii (Blyth, 1853)
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Synonyms
Ophiops jerdoni Blyth, 1853 Tropidosaura jerdoni — Theobald, 1868 Pseudophiops jerdoni — Jerdon, 1870 Ophiops jerdonii Boulenger, 1887 Ophisops jerdoni — M.A. Smith, 1935 Ophisops jerdonii — Sindaco & Jeremčenko, 2008

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The Jerdon's snake-eye (Ophisops jerdonii) is a small, quick lizard that belongs to the lacertid family. It is also known as Jerdon's cabrita or the Punjab snake-eyed lacerta. This lizard lives in parts of east Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.

What's in a Name?

The scientific name, jerdonii, was given to honor a British biologist named Thomas C. Jerdon. He was a very important person who studied animals.

What Does It Look Like?

Jerdon's snake-eye lizards have a coppery-brown color on their backs. They often have two light golden stripes along their sides. These stripes are usually outlined with black. The top stripe goes from above their eyes all the way to their tail. The bottom stripe runs from their upper lip down to their groin area. Sometimes, you might see a row of big black spots between these two stripes.

Their bellies are usually a yellowish-white color. Their heads are not very flat. They have small scales on their bodies, especially on their backs, which are rough and overlap like roof tiles.

How Big Are They?

These lizards are quite small. From their snout (nose) to their vent (where their tail starts), they are about 1.65 inches (42 mm) long. Their tail is much longer than their body, usually one and a half to two times the length of their head and body combined. A typical tail might be around 3.2 inches (81 mm) long.

Where Do They Live?

Jerdon's snake-eye lizards are found in various regions. They live in central India, in places like Saugor and Mhow. You can also find them in the N.W. Provinces, such as Agra, and in the Punjab region. They are also present in Sind and the Madras Presidency, specifically in Bellary.