It prefers rock outcrops in open grassland and feeds on small arthropods, especially beetles.

The pale vertebral stripe found in the Transvaal girdled lizard is not present.

Most individuals are not C. vittifer, but in fact Limpopo girdled lizards (Cordylus jonesii).

The Limpopo girdled lizard can be quickly distinguished from C. vittifer by its rounded, not flattened, body.

The Limpopo girdled lizard also lacks the elongate first row of dorsal scales.