Plated Lizard
Species Description

Plated Lizards derive their common name from the distinctive rectangular, plate-like scales covering their bodies, creating an armored appearance reminiscent of medieval plate armor. These large, heavily-keeled scales are arranged in regular rows, providing both protection from predators and a characteristic aesthetic that makes identification straightforward. The name "Plated Lizard" is universally recognized in herpetoculture and accurately describes the species' most obvious morphological feature. Multiple species exist within the plated lizard group, with the Sudan Plated Lizard (Gerrhosaurus major) being the largest and most commonly available in the pet trade.

Alternate common names include "Giant Plated Lizard" or "Sudan Plated Lizard," both emphasizing this species' large size compared to other plated lizard species. Regional names in Africa where these lizards are native vary by local language and culture. In the pet trade, simply "Plated Lizard" typically refers to Gerrhosaurus major given its prevalence, though several smaller species including the Yellow-Throated Plated Lizard (G. flavigularis) and Black-Lined Plated Lizard (G. nigrolineatus) occasionally appear. The term "Gerrhosaurus" is sometimes used by enthusiasts familiar with the scientific nomenclature, particularly when distinguishing between species.

Scientifically, Plated Lizards belong to the genus Gerrhosaurus, which contains approximately 6-8 species of plated lizards distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The genus is part of the family Gerrhosauridae, a group of Old World lizards endemic to Africa and Madagascar. The genus name Gerrhosaurus is derived from Greek words meaning "wicker basket lizard," likely referring to the woven or basket-like appearance created by the regular arrangement of rectangular scales. The specific epithet "major" is Latin meaning "larger" or "greater," referencing this species' status as the largest member of the genus.

The genus Gerrhosaurus shows considerable diversity with species varying in size, coloration, and habitat preferences. Gerrhosaurus major is the largest, reaching 16-24 inches, while other species are notably smaller at 8-14 inches. Geographic ranges of different species show some overlap, with G. major occurring in eastern and southern Africa from Sudan and Ethiopia southward to South Africa. All species share the characteristic plated scales, terrestrial lifestyle with moderate climbing ability, omnivorous diet, and generally hardy nature. Care requirements are similar across the genus, though space needs reflect size differences.

Plated Lizards are robust, heavily-built lizards with powerful bodies and distinctive scale morphology. Adult Gerrhosaurus major typically reach 16-24 inches in total length, with males slightly larger than females. The body is thick and muscular with strong limbs equipped with well-developed claws for digging and climbing. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point, comprising approximately 50-60% of total length. Adult males commonly weigh 300-500 grams, while females are slightly lighter at 250-400 grams. Their substantial build and armor-like scales give them a prehistoric, heavily-armored appearance.

The most distinctive feature is the scale morphology, with large, rectangular, heavily-keeled scales arranged in regular longitudinal rows creating a plated or tiled appearance. These osteoderms (bony deposits within scales) provide protection from predators and environmental hazards. The scales are rough to the touch with prominent keels, unlike the smooth scales of many lizards. A distinctive lateral groove runs along each side of the body from the front limbs to the hind limbs, creating a clear separation between dorsal and ventral scale rows. This groove contains smaller, more flexible scales allowing for body expansion during breathing and feeding.

Coloration in Plated Lizards varies with age, individual variation, and geographic location. Adults typically display brown, olive-brown, or tan ground coloration with darker brown or black markings creating patterns of spots, bars, or reticulations. Some individuals show reddish or orange tints, particularly on the sides and limbs. The ventral surface is lighter, appearing cream, yellow, or pale tan. Juveniles often show more contrasting patterns with brighter colors that fade somewhat with age. Males may develop more vibrant coloration during breeding season, particularly showing enhanced yellows or oranges on the throat and sides.

Sexual dimorphism is relatively subtle in Plated Lizards. Males typically grow slightly larger with more robust builds, broader heads, and more prominent femoral pores on the underside of the thighs. During breeding season, males may display enhanced coloration and show bulges at the base of the tail indicating hemipenal structures. Females maintain more slender builds with less dramatic head development. Determining sex in subadults and juveniles is challenging without expert examination or probing.

Physical adaptations include powerful limbs with strong claws suitable for both digging burrows and climbing rocks or low vegetation. The head is somewhat triangular and robust with strong jaw muscles capable of crushing hard food items including snails and beetles. The eyes are medium-sized with alert expressions, and small external ear openings are visible behind the eyes. The tongue is pink to purple and slightly notched but not as deeply forked as in some lizard families. The overall impression is of a sturdy, well-armored lizard built for life in rocky, semi-arid habitats where protection from predators and environmental extremes is important.

Plated Lizards display generally calm, even temperaments that make them among the more handleable medium-sized lizards in herpetoculture. While wild-caught adults may initially be defensive and nervous, most acclimate to captivity reasonably well with patient, consistent interaction. Captive-bred individuals often become quite tame, recognizing their keepers, feeding from hands, and tolerating regular handling without stress signs. They show intelligence and curiosity, investigating novel objects in their environment and observing keeper activities with apparent interest. Individual temperaments vary, with some Plated Lizards remaining somewhat aloof while others become remarkably personable.

Defensive behaviors when Plated Lizards feel threatened include open-mouth gaping, hissing, lateral body compression to appear larger, and attempts to flee to protective cover. If cornered or restrained, they can deliver painful bites with their powerful jaws, capable of breaking skin and causing significant discomfort. However, biting is typically a last resort after warning displays are ignored. With proper handling technique and respect for body language, bites are rare. They may also whip with their tails, though this is less weaponized than in some lizard species. Defensive behaviors diminish dramatically once lizards acclimate to captivity and recognize keepers as non-threatening.

Daily activity patterns are diurnal and thermoregulatory-focused, with Plated Lizards emerging from overnight retreats in burrows or rock crevices shortly after dawn to bask and raise body temperature. Morning basking sessions may last 1-2 hours until optimal body temperature is reached. Once warmed, they begin foraging, moving deliberately through their territory investigating potential food items including insects, vegetation, and fruit. They are opportunistic omnivores that sample various food sources encountered. Midday during hot weather may see reduced surface activity with retreat to cooler burrows, followed by renewed activity in late afternoon. Captive individuals often learn feeding schedules and may actively anticipate food during regular feeding times.

Foraging behavior demonstrates their omnivorous nature, with Plated Lizards investigating both animal and plant food sources. They actively dig in substrate, overturn small objects, and investigate crevices searching for insects and other invertebrates. They also browse on vegetation, sampling leaves, flowers, and fruits. Their strong jaws allow consumption of hard-bodied prey including snails and beetles that many lizards cannot process. They show food preferences, often favoring certain prey types or plant materials over others, and may become selective if offered limited diet variety.

Social behavior in Plated Lizards is limited, as they are primarily solitary outside breeding season. Males display territorial behaviors including head-bobbing, push-ups, and lateral displays toward rival males, though aggression is less intense than in many territorial species. In sufficiently large enclosures with adequate resources, housing pairs or trios (one male with one or two females) is possible with monitoring, though males should never be housed together. Breeding behavior includes male courtship of females through chemical signaling and physical contact, with males grasping females' necks during copulation. Females show maternal behavior by selecting appropriate nest sites and may guard eggs briefly after laying, though they do not remain with eggs throughout incubation as in some species.

Housing Plated Lizards properly requires providing substantial horizontal space with both terrestrial and moderate climbing opportunities. Adult Gerrhosaurus major require minimum enclosure dimensions of 75 gallon tanks (48x18x21 inches), though larger enclosures such as 120 gallon (48x24x24 inches) or custom-built enclosures provide better space for their active foraging and moderate size. Floor space is more important than height, as these are primarily terrestrial lizards that spend most time on substrate or low structures. However, they do climb moderately and appreciate elevated basking spots and some vertical complexity. Their long potential lifespan of 15-25 years and eventual adult size require commitment to appropriate housing.

Enclosure design should include both open basking areas and secure hiding spots. Provide flat rocks for basking platforms, cork bark pieces for hiding, rock formations creating crevices, and potentially a burrow box filled with moist substrate allowing digging behavior. Include some climbing structures such as branches or rock walls, as Plated Lizards are more arboreal than many ground-dwelling species and appreciate elevated positions. Create visual barriers with decorations or plants dividing the enclosure into distinct areas, reducing stress and encouraging exploration. At least 2-3 hiding spots at different temperatures allow thermoregulatory choices. Ensure all rock structures are stable and cannot collapse, as Plated Lizards will dig underneath and destabilize poorly constructed formations.

Substrate options for Plated Lizards should support their digging behavior while being safe and maintainable. Recommended substrates include cypress mulch, coconut fiber, topsoil/sand mixtures (70:30 ratio), or combinations of these creating varied texture. Substrate depth of 3-4 inches minimum allows some digging, with deeper areas (6-8 inches) in portions of the enclosure supporting burrow excavation if desired. Some keepers use excavator clay or similar products creating permanent burrow structures. Avoid pure sand or fine particulate substrates posing impaction risks, particularly important for omnivores that consume substrate particles during feeding. Some keepers maintain bioactive substrates with isopods and springtails for waste management, working well for Plated Lizards given appropriate humidity levels.

Temperature regulation is critical for Plated Lizard health, requiring substantial thermal gradients. Basking areas should reach 95-100°F, measured at the basking surface using digital thermometers or temperature guns. Ambient temperatures throughout most of the enclosure should range 78-85°F with a cool end around 75-78°F. These temperature requirements demand high-wattage basking bulbs (75-100+ watts depending on enclosure size and room temperature) positioned over one end. Under-tank heaters or heat cable can supplement ambient temperatures if needed. Nighttime temperatures should drop to 65-75°F, mimicking natural conditions and promoting healthy circadian rhythms. All heating equipment requires thermostatic control preventing dangerous overheating. Multiple thermometers at various locations verify proper gradients.

UVB lighting is essential for Plated Lizard health, as these sun-loving lizards require intense UVB exposure for vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium metabolism. Use high-output UVB bulbs such as T5 HO 10.0 mounted inside the enclosure or directly on screen tops, positioned 12-18 inches from basking areas. The basking area should receive high UVB levels allowing full-body exposure during basking sessions. UVB bulbs must be replaced every 6-12 months as UV output degrades significantly before visible light diminishes. Mercury vapor bulbs providing both heat and UVB are excellent options for Plated Lizards. Natural outdoor exposure to unfiltered sunlight during appropriate weather provides optimal UVB and behavioral enrichment in secure outdoor enclosures.

Humidity requirements for Plated Lizards are moderate at 40-60%, easier to maintain than high-humidity tropical species. A water dish provides drinking opportunities and adds humidity. Light misting 2-3 times weekly or daily light misting provides additional moisture and drinking opportunities from water droplets. One portion of substrate can be kept slightly moist while allowing other areas to remain dry, creating humidity gradients. Proper ventilation through screen tops prevents excessive humidity and stagnant conditions while maintaining adequate moisture. Monitor humidity with digital hygrometers, adjusting water dish size, misting frequency, or substrate moisture based on readings and observation of shedding quality and hydration status.

Plated Lizards are opportunistic omnivores with varied diets in the wild, consuming insects, small vertebrates, snails, vegetation including leaves and flowers, fruits, and even carrion when encountered. This dietary flexibility reflects their savanna habitat where food availability varies seasonally. They show intelligent foraging behavior, investigating potential food sources carefully and learning food locations. Their strong jaws and crushing dentition allow consumption of hard-bodied prey and tough plant materials. In captivity, maintaining appropriate dietary variety and balance is important for long-term health, and their omnivorous nature makes feeding flexible and interesting.

In captivity, the insect portion should comprise 60-70% of the diet, particularly for growing juveniles, with plant matter comprising 30-40%. Appropriate insects include crickets, dubia roaches, discoid roaches, superworms, hornworms, silkworms, black soldier fly larvae, and occasional waxworms or butterworms as treats. Prey items should be appropriately sized, generally no larger than the space between the lizard's eyes, though Plated Lizards can handle relatively large prey due to powerful jaws. Large adult crickets, adult dubia roaches, and large superworms form excellent staple foods. Occasional pinky mice can be offered to large adults as nutritional supplements, perhaps once every 1-2 weeks.

The vegetable portion should include dark leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits creating nutritional variety. Offer salads 2-3 times weekly containing collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, squash, bell peppers, green beans, and small amounts of carrots. Fruits including berries, figs, mango, papaya, and melon can be offered in moderation, comprising perhaps 10-15% of plant matter. Avoid high-oxalate vegetables and limit fruit sugar content. Some Plated Lizards show strong preferences for particular foods, requiring experimentation. Their intelligence allows them to learn favorite foods and anticipate feeding times.

Gut-loading insects is crucial for nutritional quality. Feed insects high-quality diet for 24-48 hours before offering to lizards. Commercial gut-load products or fresh vegetables including collard greens, squash, sweet potato, and commercial cricket feeds provide nutrition transferred to lizards. Well-fed insects with full digestive tracts provide substantially better nutrition than nutritionally depleted insects. This practice is particularly important for omnivores where insect prey must provide concentrated nutrition.

Supplementation is essential for captive Plated Lizards. Dust insects with calcium powder (without vitamin D3 if proper UVB is provided) at most feedings, approximately every other day. Use calcium with D3 or multivitamin supplements 1-2 times weekly to provide additional vitamins. The exact schedule depends on UVB quality, diet variety, and individual needs, but consistent moderate supplementation prevents deficiencies without over-supplementation. Growing juveniles require more frequent calcium supplementation than adults. The vegetable portion of diet also receives light calcium dusting.

Feeding frequency depends on age and condition. Juvenile Plated Lizards should be fed daily, offering insects and plant matter in appropriate proportions. Their rapid growth requires substantial consistent nutrition. Adult Plated Lizards can be fed 3-5 times weekly, alternating between insect-heavy and plant-heavy meals or offering both together. Some keepers feed insects and vegetables on alternate days. Monitor body condition, adjusting feeding frequency if lizards become too thin or overweight. A large water dish should be available at all times, cleaned and refilled daily, as Plated Lizards drink regularly and may soak occasionally.

Plated Lizards are generally hardy, long-lived reptiles when provided proper care, though they face several potential health challenges in captivity primarily from improper husbandry. Common health problems include metabolic bone disease from inadequate UVB or calcium supplementation, respiratory infections from improper temperatures or humidity, internal parasites particularly in wild-caught specimens, obesity from overfeeding or imbalanced diet, impaction from inappropriate substrate ingestion, and injuries from improper enclosure design. Their intelligence and personality mean health problems may manifest as behavioral changes including reduced activity, hiding, or refusing food. Establishing relationship with a qualified reptile veterinarian before acquiring a Plated Lizard is important for their potentially lengthy 15-25 year lifespan. Regular wellness exams help catch problems early when treatment is most effective.

Plated Lizards are rewarding long-term companions for intermediate to advanced keepers willing to commit to 15-25 years of consistent care. Their intelligence, personality, and hardiness make them excellent choices among medium-sized lizards, though their size, dietary needs, and temperature requirements demand appropriate resources and dedication. Most health problems in captivity stem from inadequate UVB exposure, improper diet balance, or inappropriate environmental conditions, all preventable through proper setup and maintenance from the beginning. With appropriate care including large enclosures, high UVB output, balanced omnivorous diet, and regular veterinary monitoring, these impressive lizards provide decades of companionship as they develop individual personalities and bonds with dedicated keepers.

Handling Plated Lizards can be rewarding once proper acclimation occurs, as many individuals become quite tame and tolerant of regular gentle interaction. However, new acquisitions, particularly wild-caught adults, require patience and gradual habituation to human contact. Begin with brief handling sessions of 5-10 minutes once the lizard has acclimated to its enclosure and is feeding regularly, typically after 1-2 weeks. Gradually increase handling duration as the lizard becomes comfortable. Captive-bred juveniles often tame more readily than wild-caught adults, though individual temperaments vary considerably regardless of origin.

Proper handling technique involves supporting the entire body with both hands, allowing the lizard to walk between hands rather than restraining tightly. Approach slowly and from front where the lizard can see rather than from above or behind. Allow the lizard to walk onto your hand rather than grabbing. Support the body gently but securely, as Plated Lizards are strong and can jump or scramble suddenly if startled. Watch for stress signals including thrashing, mouth-gaping, hissing, or attempts to bite, and return the lizard to its enclosure if severely stressed. With regular gentle handling and positive associations (such as hand-feeding favorite foods), most Plated Lizards become quite calm and even seem to enjoy supervised excursions outside their enclosures.

Shedding occurs regularly throughout a Plated Lizard's life, with juveniles shedding every 4-6 weeks during rapid growth and adults shedding every 2-3 months. They shed in large pieces rather than whole skin, with the process typically completing within a week or two. During shedding, Plated Lizards may show reduced appetite, increased hiding, duller coloration with a grayish appearance, and potentially mild irritability. Maintaining proper humidity through water dishes, substrate moisture, and light misting is important for healthy shedding. Most remove shed skin themselves by rubbing against rocks and rough surfaces. Avoid pulling shedding skin, as this damages underlying scales. If significant shed remains stuck, particularly around toes or tail tip, gentle soaking in shallow lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes helps loosen stubborn pieces, followed by gentle removal if necessary.

Daily care routines include feeding 3-5 times weekly depending on age (10-15 minutes preparing insects and vegetables), spot cleaning waste and uneaten food (5-10 minutes), checking and refilling water dish daily (2-3 minutes), monitoring temperatures and humidity (2-3 minutes), and observing for normal activity and appetite (5 minutes). Weekly tasks include thorough substrate spot cleaning or replacement of soiled areas (20-30 minutes), sanitizing water dish, checking all equipment function, and detailed health assessment checking for retained shed, injuries, or concerning changes. Monthly tasks include weighing to monitor growth or detect changes, deep cleaning decorations and structures, substrate replacement or thorough cleaning if not bioactive, UVB bulb inspection, and general equipment maintenance. Maintaining records of feeding, shedding, weight, and health concerns helps track patterns and provides information for veterinary consultations. The substantial size and waste production of adult Plated Lizards means cleaning requires more time and effort than small lizards, a consideration for their 15-25 year lifespan.

Plated Lizards are excellent intermediate to advanced-level reptiles suitable for keepers with some reptile experience who can provide large enclosures, balanced omnivorous diet, and long-term commitment of 15-25 years. They are not appropriate for beginners seeking first reptile experience, children as sole caretakers, or anyone unable to commit to decades of consistent care. Their intelligence, personality, manageable temperament, and impressive longevity make them rewarding companions for dedicated keepers willing to meet their substantial space and care requirements. Those appreciating interactive, personable reptiles that recognize their keepers and develop individual personalities find Plated Lizards highly satisfying.

Financial considerations for Plated Lizard ownership are substantial due to their size and longevity. Initial setup costs range from $500-900 including large enclosure (75+ gallon minimum), substrate materials, decorations including rocks and hiding spots, high-wattage heating equipment, high-output UVB lighting, large water dish, thermometers, hygrometers, and initial supplies. Monthly costs include electricity for heating and high-output lighting ($20-40), varied insects ($30-50), fresh vegetables and fruits ($15-25), supplements, and substrate maintenance supplies. Annual costs include UVB bulb replacement ($40-60), possible heating bulb replacement, and veterinary wellness exams ($100-200 recommended annually or biannually). Over their potential 15-25 year lifespan, total costs easily reach thousands of dollars, requiring serious financial commitment.

Time commitment is moderate to high for daily care. Daily tasks include feeding 3-5 times weekly with preparation of both insects and plant matter (10-15 minutes), spot cleaning (5-10 minutes), water maintenance (2-3 minutes), monitoring (2-3 minutes), and observation (5 minutes), totaling approximately 25-35 minutes on feeding days and 15-20 minutes on non-feeding days. Weekly maintenance requires 30-45 minutes. The omnivorous diet requires more preparation than insectivore-only lizards, including washing and chopping vegetables. Vacations require knowledgeable pet sitters comfortable preparing varied diet, maintaining enclosure cleanliness, and potentially handling a large lizard for health checks. Their intelligence and personality mean they may appear to recognize and miss their primary keeper during absences.

Legal considerations are generally minimal for Plated Lizards as non-native species facing few restrictions in most jurisdictions. However, always verify city, county, and state regulations before acquiring any exotic pet. Some localities restrict or prohibit reptile ownership. Rental agreements often prohibit pets or specifically exclude reptiles. Most Plated Lizards in the trade are wild-caught, raising sustainability and ethical concerns as collection impacts natural populations. Captive breeding is becoming more common, and responsible keepers should prioritize captive-bred specimens when available. Captive-bred individuals are healthier, parasite-free, better acclimated, tamer, and place no pressure on wild populations. Reputable breeders provide appropriate documentation and health guarantees. Given the 15-25 year commitment, prospective keepers must consider life changes including relocations, career changes, family situations, and how these might affect their ability to maintain appropriate care throughout the lizard's potentially lengthy life.