Shovel-snouted lizard

The shovel-snouted lizard (Meroles anchietae), also known commonly as Anchieta's desert lizard, Anchieta's dune lizard and the Namib sand-diver, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is native to southern Africa.

Etymology
The specific name, anchietae, is in honor of Portuguese naturalist José Alberto de Oliveira Anchieta, who was an explorer of Africa.

Geographic range
M. anchietae is found in Angola and Namibia.

Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of M. anchietae is desert, with aeolian sand dunes and sparse vegetation, at altitudes from sea level to 500 m.

Description
Adults of M. anchietae have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 5 cm.

Diet
M. anchietae preys upon insects, especially small beetles. During dry periods when insects are scarce, it will eat seeds.

Reproduction
M. anchietae is oviparous.