Plated Lizard

African Plated Lizards Gerrhosaurus sp.

This genus contains 6 species of these large, skink-like lizards with forked tongues. Shy, non-aggressive ground-dwelling lizards that are from the rocky steppes of semi-arid eastern and southern Africa. When threatened or to avoid the hot desert sun, they will retreat into the underground burrows and nests of other animals. Sometimes the males will use their powerful plated tails to battle for territory. They make good pets, adapting well to captivity and becoming tame enough to handle. Caring for them is not difficult. Adult size is from 16" to 28"; at least half the length is the tail. Color patterns are variable, usually a shade of brown or black, sometimes with lighter or yellow, orange or red markings. "Plated" means that the scales on the back have pronounced keels (raised ridges). The legs are relatively small in relation to their stout, cylindrical body. There are expandable folds along the sides of the body that will distend after a large meal or when a female is gravid. Sexual maturity is reached at about 4 years of age and the average life span in captivity is between 7 and 12 years.  This information was taken from www.petlifeforms.com

At Cub Creek Science Camp we have a pair of Plated Lizards.  Many times the difficulty of determining exactly which species of Lizard that you have comes from the lack of information or the misinformation that sellers provide upon purchase.  Our Plated Lizards came to us without any background information.  As far as we can determine with our research, our Plated Lizards appear to be Sudan Plated Lizards also known as Great Plated Lizards or Southern Tawny Plated Lizards.  All of the Lizards from the genus Gerrhosaurus sp.  are omnivores and are diurnal.  Our Plated Lizards, Lancelot and Guinevere, are housed in the Reptile room of the Animal Learning Center.