Cordylidae (girdle-tailed lizards, plated lizards; order Squamata, suborder Sauria) A family of terrestrial, insectivorous lizards, the majority of which have transverse rows of ossified, rectangular scales which may be elongated into spines. Some species are flattened and can enter rock crevices, others are snake-like with reduced limbs. Cordylus giganteus (sungazer, Lord Derby's zonure, or giant girdled lizard) of southern Africa is up to 40 cm long, with a triangular head, powerful limbs, sturdy body, and large, curved spines protecting the neck, back, and tail. There are about 50 species, occurring in the African savannah.

girdle-tailed lizards See CORDYLIDAE.

plated lizards See CORDYLIDAE.