Adolfus

Adolfus is a genus of lizards of the family Lacertidae. The genus is endemic to subsaharan Africa.

Etymology

The generic name, Adolfus, is in honor of German explorer Duke Adolf Friedrich of Mecklenburg.

Description

Adolfus are typically relatively large lacertids measuring in snout–vent length (SVL), except for the much smaller Adolfus masavaensis measuring only . The tail is cylindrical, without lateral fringes, and relatively long, about 1.7–2 times SVL. There is no sexual dimorphism. Based on Adolfus jacksoni, the clutch size is 3–5 eggs.

Habitat

Adolfus inhabit forest, forest clearings, and grasslands. A. jacksoni inhabits also urban environments. Adolfus alleni has been recorded as high as above sea level.

Species

The following species are recognized as being valid:

• Adolfus africanus
• Adolfus alleni
• Adolfus jacksoni
• Adolfus kibonotensis
• Adolfus masavaensis
• Adolfus mathewsensis

Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Adolfus.

References

Further reading

• , , , , Branch WR (2011). "A molecular phylogeny of Equatorial African Lacertidae, with the description of a new genus and species from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 163: 913–942.
• Sternfeld R (1912). "Reptilia". pp. 197–279 + Plates VI-IX. In: Schubotz H (Editor) (1913). Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der Deutschen Zentral-Afrika-Expedition 1907-1908 unter Führung Adolf Friedrichs, Herzogs zu Mecklenburg, Band IV [Volume 4], Zoologie II. Leipzig: Klinkhardt & Biermann. 485 pp. + 11 plates. (Adolfus, new genus , p. 220). (in German).