Common Giant Plated Lizard

Afrikaans name: Reuse pantser-akkedis

Common Giant Plated Lizard

Photo © Claire Herbert

Gerrhosaurus validus validus

The Common Giant Plated Lizard is a large lizard found in the eastern and north-eastern regions of South Africa as well as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Swaziland.

It is found on rocky outcrops which offer it hiding and sunbathing places. They are normally shy although they can become accustomed to humans if there is regular visitors to the area. If startled they will dive into a crack or crevice and are difficult to extract from there as they just squeeze further and further in.

Male and female Common Giant Plated Lizard are similar in colour although males show a pinkish colour on their throats furing the breeding season. Juveniles are blackish with yellow spots.

They breed during summer and the female lays 4 largish eggs which have a leathery feel to them.

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References and further reading

A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Graham Alexander and Johan Marais - Year Published: 2007 - Page: 282

Bill Branch's Field Guide to the Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Bill Branch - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 153

Reptiles & Amphibians of Southern Africa - Author: Warren Schmidt - Year Published: 2006 - Page: 67

Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Rod Patterson and Anothony Bannister - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 53

The Reptiles of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar, WD Haacke and NHG Jacobsen - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 82