Description: This genus contains 6 species of these large, skink-like lizards with forked tongues. Shy, non-aggressive ground-dwelling lizards that are from the rocky steppes of semi-arid eastern and southern Africa. When threatened or to avoid the hot desert sun, they will retreat into the underground burrows and nests of other animals. Sometimes the males will use their powerful plated tails to battle for territory. They make good pets, adapting well to captivity and becoming tame enough to handle. Caring for them is not difficult. Adult size is from 16" to 28"; at least half the length is the tail. Color patterns are variable, usually a shade of brown or black, sometimes with lighter or yellow, orange or red markings. "Plated" means that the scales on the back have pronounced keels (raised ridges). The legs are relatively small in relation to their stout, cylindrical body. There are expandable folds along the sides of the body that will distend after a large meal or when a female is gravid. Sexual maturity is reached at about 4 years of age and the average life span in captivity is between 7 and 12 years.

Some Species Descriptions:
G. flavigularis: The Yellow-Throated Plated Lizard. Grows to about 18". The back and tail are brown and a light edged stripe runs along each side that can be an attractive red color. The underside is white. When males are in breeding condition, the sides of the head, neck and chest can turn yellow, orange, red or even blue. The males have larger femoral pores. These lizards seem to get along with each other better than some of the other species but care must be taken to ensure that each gets their share of the food.

G. major: Called the Sudan Plated Lizard, Great Plated Lizard or Southern Tawny Plated Lizard. Can grow to more than 20". Basic color is yellow to dark brown and it may or may not have black stripes. More vegetarian than some of the other species.

G. validus: The Giant Plated Lizard. Grows to about 28", the largest of them all. Has thin vertical yellow stripes on a brownish black background. More vegetarian than some of the other species. These lizards seem to get along with each other better than some of the other species but care must be taken to ensure that each gets their share of the food.
This species is difficult to sex. Adult males may be slightly larger than females and may get a slight pink tinge on the chin and stomach when in breeding condition.

G. nigrolineatus: The Black-lined Plated lizard. Grows to around 18". Black or dark brown with lighter stripes. A digger that is quite agile. The males have larger femoral pores.

Temperature: Daytime 75° to 85°F, about 5° to 10°F cooler at night, basking area 90°F. A temperature gradient throughout the enclosure is preferred. A reptile heat mat will provide beneficial ground heat.

Humidity: Low.

Lighting: UV light is required for 12 hours or so a day. Basking sites are necessary.

Feeding: Omnivorous, will mainly eat live foods such as mealworms, crickets, moths, earthworms, roaches, beetles, pinkie mice, etc. Will also take fruits like apple, banana, cantaloupe and tomato, various greens and dandelions, sprouts and green beans, etc.
A large dish of clean water with easy in and out access should be available at all times.

Habitat: Large adults need a large enclosure, at least a 55-gallon tank for a pair. Set it up as a desert habitat with basking spots, wide climbing branches and dark hiding places. They often burrow so provide a deep substrate of bark chips, etc.

Sexing: Breeding age males may show a very slight bulge from the hemipenes about 1/8" down from vent. With some species, the male may have more color around the head and neck area when in breeding condition. Both sexes have a row of enlarged scales, called femoral pores, on the underside of the thighs. In some species, the females will have much less prominent pores.

Breeding: Breeding usually occurs only once a year after a 4 to 6 week cooling period (70° to 75°F) with shorter days. Use a healthy, well fed pair or a group that have been given extra vitamin/mineral supplements. Very bright UV light may be necessary to stimulate breeding. If successful, the female will lay 2 or more large eggs in moist soil that should be 8" or so in depth.
For the first two months of incubation, keep the humidity high, near 100%. After that, allow the incubating medium to mostly dry out, being careful to monitor the eggs and add moisture if any indentations start to show.
Eggs hatch in about 3 to 5 months if incubated between 82° and 85°F (a slight drop at night is ok).
Hatchlings are hardy, voracious eating machines and will grow fast if cared for in the same way as the adults.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna