The tail becomes a mouthfulSourced
An armadillo lizard curls into a defended shape
South Africa’s armadillo girdled lizard curls up and holds its tail in its mouth when threatened. Thick back scales and tail spines protect the outside of the shape. Its resemblance to a mammalian armadillo helped supply the common name.
The mouth holds the tail to complete the defensive shape.
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Armadillo girdled lizard · Wikimedia contributors
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Reviewed: 2026-10-05