title: Shovel-snouted lizard
text: # 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 (1,600 ft).
  
  ## Description
  
  Adults of M. anchietae have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 5 cm (2.0 in).
  
  ## 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.
  
  