About Chalarodon madagascariensis (Peters, 1854)
In morphology, Chalarodon madagascariensis is most easily distinguished from the related species Chalarodon steinkampi by its keeled gular and ventral scales; these scales are unkeeled in C. steinkampi. The total body length of this species can reach up to 223 millimeters, and most individuals reach approximately 200 millimeters in total length. This species primarily inhabits coastal, semi-arid to arid regions. It occurs almost entirely in open or very sparsely vegetated habitats with sandy soil. These habitats are found in Toliara province, as well as the southwestern provinces of Fianarantsoa and Majunga in southwestern Madagascar. This species is widespread across western, southern, and eastern Madagascar.
