Giant plated lizard
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| File:Gerrhosaurus validus - Reptilium Landau.jpg | |
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G. validus
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| Gerrhosaurus validus |
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The giant plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus validus) is a lizard of the Gerrhosauridae family, chiefly found in open, rocky, dry habitats in southern Africa.
Classification
Species Gerrhosaurus validus
Physical attributes
A large lizard with a flattened head and body, its length is a maximum of 75 cm (29.5 in). 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.[1] 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.[2]
References
- ↑ [1] Archived February 28, 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ FitzSimons, V. 1943. The Lizards of Southern Africa.
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