"Legendary dragons" turn out to be real in real life, pleasing to the eye

It is known by a number of different names, including the armadillo lizard, the spiny-tailed armadillo lizard, and the golden armadillo lizard – although its scientific name is Ouroroborus cataphractus . Photo: @Wikipedia.

The genus name Ouroboros comes from the ancient symbol “ouroboros”, which depicts a snake or dragon eating its own tail, often used to represent concepts of eternity, the cyclical nature of life, and the endless cycle of renewal of life. Photo: @Pinterest.

The species name "cataphractus" comes from the Greek word "κατάφρακτος" (kataphraktos), which means "armored" or "covered." Photo: @Joel Sartore.

Ouroroborus cataphractus is the perfect name for these charming little creatures . Photo: @Tyrone Ping.

The lizard's most distinctive feature is its armor-like scales, which protect it from the harsh, dusty predators of South Africa's west coast. Photo: @Adobe Stock.

Ouroboros cataphractus lizards often hide in crevices in cliffs, where they live in large groups of 30 to 60 individuals, only coming out to hunt insects and sunbathe. Photo: @Wikimedia Commons.

When there is a sign of danger, they will quickly rush back into the crack. Photo: @Media Nauka.

If caught by a predator, the armadillo will bite its tail, like the ouroboros symbol, to protect its vulnerable abdomen. Photo: @iStock.

Along with natural threats such as predation, the Ouroroborus cataphractus lizard faces a number of unnatural challenges in its habitat, including overexploitation by humans and poaching for the pet trade. As a result, it is listed as “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List. Photo: @NickEvansKZN.

The Ouroroborus cataphractus armadillo is not allowed to be exported from South Africa without proper documentation, but it is believed they are still being illegally trafficked out of the continent to the US, where they are sold as pets. Photo: @Tyrone Ping.