Sudan plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus major), also known as the Western plated lizard, great plated lizard or rough-scaled plated Lizard is a lizard of the Gerrhosauridae family.

Hysical description

The Sudan plated lizard is a fairly large lizard, adult size is 45–70 cm, whereof the tail is less than half the length. They are somewhat squat with moderately broad tails.

Being the most heavily plated of the Gerrhosaururidae, the species is easily recognised on the armour. The body and tail is covered in transverse bands of more or less square plate like scales, and head shields are fused to the skull. The armour makes the animals look a bit like the uncommon perception of Mesozoic reptiles.

Coloration is grayish brown, males being larger than females with bright-coloured throat.

Ecology

The Sudan Plated lizard is a diurnal reptile. This means they are active mostly during the day and sleep at night. Their natural habitat is rocky desert . When threatened, they will run for cover and wedge themselves in rocky crevices. With their heavy armour, this makes them almost invulnerable to predators.

The Sudan Plated lizards are omnivores, living from a wide range of vegetable matter, insects and on occasion small vertebrates like other lizards and rodents.

Plated lizards as pets

Plated lizards are usually quite tame and docile as they tame quickly and are commonly traded in pet shops. Being omnivores they enjoy eating live crickets and other insects and small amounts of chopped fruits and vegetables e.g. lettuce, carrots and cucumber. Citrus fruit (e.g. orange) should be avoided. Some also treat their plated lizards with the occasional small pinkie mouse, depending on the size of the lizard.

These lizards grow to a length of 18"-28". They require at least a 50 gallon or larger terrarium and must have appropriate bedding and supplies. Their habitat must have a daytime temperature of 70-85 degrees F with a localized basking spot with temperatures ranging from 95-100 degrees F. The nighttime temperature must be maintained at 60-75 degrees F.