Boettger's lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boettger's lizard |
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| A young female Boettger's lizard | |
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Gallotia
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| Species: |
caesaris
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The Boettger's lizard (Gallotia caesaris) is a cool type of wall lizard. It's part of the Lacertidae family, which includes many lizards found around the world. This special lizard only lives in the Canary Islands, making it an endemic species. That means you won't find it naturally anywhere else! There are two main types, or subspecies, of Boettger's lizard.
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What's in a Name?
The scientific name for this lizard, caesaris, was chosen to honor a German scientist named Caesar Rudolf Boettger. He was a malacologist, which means he studied mollusks like snails and clams. His uncle, Oskar Boettger, was also a famous scientist who studied reptiles.
Where Do Boettger's Lizards Live?
These lizards are native to two of the western Canary Islands: El Hierro and La Gomera. These islands are off the coast of Africa. On nearby islands like Tenerife and La Palma, you'll find a different but similar lizard called Gallotia galloti. Interestingly, humans have also brought the Boettger's lizard to the Portuguese island of Madeira.
Home Sweet Home: Their Habitat
Boettger's lizards love to live in rocky places. You can also find them in shrubland, which are areas with lots of bushes, and in forests. They live at many different heights, from right by the sea up to high places about 1,500 meters (about 4,900 feet) above sea level.
How They Have Babies
Boettger's lizards are oviparous, which means the females lay eggs. A female lizard can lay eggs up to three times a year! Each time, she might lay between 1 and 5 eggs.
Different Types of Boettger's Lizards
There are two recognized subspecies of Boettger's lizard:
- Gallotia caesaris caesaris: This type lives on the island of El Hierro.
- Gallotia caesaris gomerae: This type lives on the island of La Gomera.
