PRELIMINARY REMARKS ON THE USE OF OSTEODERMS AS AN ADJUNCT TO THE TAXONOMY OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN LIZARDS

Abstract

Previous use of osteoderms in lizard taxonomy is briefly outlined. A method of removing and preparing osteoderms is described, and examples of scincid osteoderms are presented to illustrate intra- and interspecific variation as shown so far in an ongoing study of osteoderms from southern African lizards.