gerrhosaurids

Gerrhosaurids are a family of lizards commonly known as plated lizards or girdled lizards. They are native to Africa and are characterized by their osteoderms, which are bony plates embedded in their skin, giving them a plated or armored appearance. These osteoderms provide protection from predators. Gerrhosaurids are typically medium-sized lizards with slender bodies, long tails, and well-developed limbs. Their coloration varies widely among species, ranging from drab browns and grays to brighter greens and blues, often with distinct patterns.

These lizards are primarily terrestrial and inhabit a variety of environments, including savannas, grasslands, rocky outcrops, and even some arid regions. Their diet consists mainly of insects, arthropods, and other small invertebrates, although some species may also consume plant matter. Gerrhosaurids are generally diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and often bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. When threatened, they can exhibit defensive behaviors such as tail autotomy (shedding their tail) to distract predators, or they may retreat into crevices or burrows.

The family Gerrhosauridae is divided into several genera, with notable examples including Gerrhosaurus, Tetradactylus, and Zonosauru. Reproduction in gerrhosaurids is oviparous, with females laying clutches of eggs in burrows or under rocks. The number of eggs and incubation periods can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions. Gerrhosaurids are not considered endangered, though habitat loss and collection for the pet trade can pose local threats to some populations.