Zonosaurus Laticaudatus is the scientific name for Western Girdled Lizard. The Gerrhosaurus is a lizard species that belongs to the Gerrhosauridae family (plated lizards) which is endemic to Western Madagascar.
Check out this great video below to see this beautiful lizard:
What are their features?
The Western Girdled Lizards have dorsal stripes with cream and black spots which extend to their whole brown body. Their head is light brown and some might have red throats. They grow up to 135mm in length.
Where do they live?
The Western Girdled Lizards are terrestrial reptiles, They are found in locations with both sun and shade like humid forests in Madagascar, which helps to keep their body temperature within an optimal range. They are known to bask on rocks when it’s warm. They are always on the move, running to look for food or a mate.
What do they eat?
As omnivores, they will eat anything available to them. This includes small invertebrates and fruits.
How does the Western Girdled Lizard reproduce?
As oviparous lizards, females lay 2-6 eggs per clutch. The average incubation period is 90 days and will be independent once hatched.
What is the lifespan of the Western Girdled Lizard?
The lifespan of the Western Girdled Lizard can reach up to 8 years.
Who are their predators?
The Western Girdled Lizard has many predators including snakes, birds, and other animals.
How do they escape predators?
It is the only known lizard in its genus that dives into the water to escape predators. They can dive down 20cm and stay underwater for up to 3 minutes.
What happens when they lose their tails?
Like any other lizard, they will grow a new one. This is because of regeneration, which is when an animal can grow back a lost body part.
Some lizards can lose their limbs or tails as a mechanism of self-defense which is known as caudal autotomy. This ability allows them to regenerate their lost appendage over time, making it an effective way to deter predators.
