The genus Smaug is a group of species of spiny southern African lizards, separated from the genus Cordylus in 2011 on the basis of a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the Cordylidae.

According to Tolkien the name is derived from the Old German verb smeugen – to squeeze through a hole.

Like the type species, Smaug lived underground and was heavily armored.

Appropriately Tolkien was born in the Free State province, South Africa, the core area of distribution of the type species.

[1]Zonurus, the former genus name, is from Greek zōnē 'girdle' + oura 'tail'.