Gran Canaria giant lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gran Canaria giant lizard |
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| On Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain | |
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The Gran Canaria giant lizard (Gallotia stehlini) is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is found in the Canary Islands.
Etymology
The specific name, stehlini, is in honor of Swiss paleontologist Hans Georg Stehlin, who collected the holotype.
Description
G. stehlini grows to a total length (including tail) of up to 80 cm (31 in). It is among the largest reptiles within the family Lacertidae. The species comes in a variety of grays, browns, and reddish hues. Unlike their female counterparts, males exhibit sizable jowls, robust heads and overall greater body mass.
Diet
G. stehlini is a true omnivore. The young often consume various invertebrates, vegetation and soft fruits. As they mature, their diet largely consists of plant matter.
Geographic range
G. stehlini is endemic to Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands of Spain but it has been introduced to Fuerteventura.
Habitat
The natural habitats of G. stehlini are temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, rocky shores, and pastureland, at altitudes from sea level to 1,850 m (6,070 ft).
Reproduction
G. stehlini is oviparous.
See also
In Spanish: Lagarto gigante de Gran Canaria para niños
