Plated lizard facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Plated lizard
Broadleysaurus major
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Infraorder:	Scincomorpha
Clade:	Cordyliformes
Family:	Gerrhosauridae Fitzinger, 1843

The Gerrhosauridae are a fascinating group of lizards. They are often called plated lizards because of their tough, scale-covered bodies. These lizards make their homes in Africa and Madagascar. They are close relatives of skinks, another type of lizard.

Discovering Plated Lizards

Where Plated Lizards Live

Plated lizards are very adaptable creatures. You can find them in many different places. Some live in rocky areas, hiding in crevices. Others prefer sandy deserts or even grassy plains. This wide range of habitats shows how tough and versatile these lizards are.

What Plated Lizards Look Like

Plated lizards come in many shapes and sizes. Some species have four strong, well-developed legs. These legs help them move quickly. Other species have only tiny, undeveloped back legs. These small legs are called vestigial limbs. This means they are leftovers from their ancestors. Their bodies are covered in strong, plate-like scales. These scales give them their common name.

Plated Lizard Reproduction

Most plated lizard species reproduce by laying eggs. This means they are oviparous. The female lizard lays her eggs in a safe spot. Then, the young lizards hatch from these eggs. This is a common way for many reptiles to have babies.

Types of Plated Lizards

Scientists group plated lizards into different categories. This helps us understand their relationships. The main group is the Family Gerrhosauridae. Within this family, there are two main subfamilies. These subfamilies contain several different types of plated lizards, called genera. Each genus includes one or more specific species.

• Subfamily Gerrhosaurinae
  • Genus Broadleysaurus - This group includes the rough-scaled plated lizard. There is one known species.
  • Genus Cordylosaurus - This genus has one species, the blue-black plated lizard.
  • Genus Gerrhosaurus - This is a larger group with seven different species.
  • Genus Matobosaurus - This genus includes two species.
  • Genus Tetradactylus - This group has eight species of plated lizards.

• Subfamily Zonosaurinae
  • Genus Tracheloptychus - These are known as keeled plated lizards. There are two species in this genus.
  • Genus Zonosaurus - This is the largest group, often called zonosaurs. It includes seventeen species.