Sudan Plated Lizard Care Sheet
Explore our comprehensive care guide for Sudan Plated lizards, drawn from extensive firsthand experience with these fascinating and uniquely patterned reptiles.
Sudan Plated Lizard (Gerrhosaurus major)
Description: Sudan plated lizards, named after their native habitat, boast distinctive plated scales along their dorsal surface, with a creamy white underside. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are known for their gentle demeanor and manageable size.
Range: Indigenous to the savannah regions of the Sudan and adjacent African countries, their distribution extends beyond their namesake.
Size: These lizards typically reach lengths of 18 to 25 inches, with stout bodies and unusually thick tails. Hatchlings start at around six inches in total length.
Behavior: Sudan plated lizards are generally calm and rarely exhibit aggression. They prefer to run and hide when startled, making them suitable for gentle handling and interaction.
Enclosure: Due to their size, provide spacious enclosures with a minimum size of 48” in length and 30” in width. Deep substrate is essential to accommodate their burrowing behavior and provide security.
Heating & Humidity: Maintain surface temperatures between 125°F to 140°F for basking, with a thermal gradient for temperature regulation. Adequate humidity levels of 50% to 70% can be achieved through regular misting and deep substrate.
Lighting: Halogen basking bulbs and UV lighting are recommended to replicate natural daylight conditions.
Feeding: Primarily insectivorous, Sudan plated lizards thrive on a diet of roaches, crickets, and superworms. Occasional fruits and vegetables may be offered, supplemented with calcium powder.
Breeding: Captive breeding is rare due to low resale value and small clutch sizes of 2 to 6 eggs.
Price Range: Wild-caught specimens range from $25 to $40. Browse available Sudan Plated lizards on our main website.
Species Notes: Sudan plated lizards can drop and regenerate their tails, and they possess blunt teeth. Also known as Tawny plated lizards.
Summary: Despite initial shyness, Sudan plated lizards make interactive and engaging pets. Their striking appearance and manageable temperament make them a captivating addition to any reptile collection. Considerable space and deep substrate are essential for their well-being. Encourage captive breeding to promote their conservation.
For more information and available Sudan Plated lizards, visit our main website.