Giant plated lizard

The giant plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus validus) is a lizard of the Gerrhosauridae family, which is found in dry to mesic habitats of southern Africa. They are wary and stay close to their rocky retreats.

Subspecies
Gerrhosaurus validus maltzahni  
Gerrhosaurus validus validus

Physical attributes

 
A large lizard with a flattened head and body, its length is a maximum of . The soles of the feet have black rubber-like balls, an adaptation to living on rock outcrops. It is called the plated lizard because of the platelike scales on the back. This lizard is very shy and hard to approach. When threatened, it will jam itself into rock crevices (aided by its flattened body) and inflate with air, making it impossible to extricate it.

It is omnivorous, consuming a fair amount of plant matter in addition to insects and even baby tortoises. It also tends to form loose colonies.

References

Category:Gerrhosaurus
Category:Articles containing video clips
Category:Reptiles described in 1849