Kalahari plated lizard

Introduction: The Kalahari Plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus multineatus) is a large, thick-bodied lizard with a medium-sized head. They live in holes burrowed amongst roots of shrubs in bushveld and Kalahari sandveld.

Distribution: Northern Namibia extending over the entire region bordering, but not including, the Namib Desert.

Diet: Grasshoppers, termites, scorpions, beetles and at times berries.

Colouring: The body is pale-brown, almost sepia and dark-brown flecks adorn the head. The scales on the back have a yellow spot on the inner edge. The flanks are lighter than the body with the addition of dark-brown spots. The belly is creamy white.

Breeding: Females lay about a 12 eggs in the summer.

Size: SVL 150 to 180mm. Max SVL 215mm.