Boettger's lizard
A species of Gallot's lizards Scientific name : Gallotia caesaris Genus : Gallot's lizards
Boettger's lizard, A species of Gallot's lizards
Scientific name: Gallotia caesaris
Genus: Gallot's lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Carlos Bartolomé , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Boettger's lizard (Gallotia caesaris) is a lacertid (wall lizard) endemic to two of the western Canary Islands, El Hierro and La Gomera. On the neighboring islands Tenerife and La Palma it is replaced by its close relative Gallotia galloti (Maca-Meyer et al. 2003). It has been introduced by humans on the Portuguese island of Madeira.
General Info
Lifespan
8-12 years
Diet
Boettger's lizard are primarily herbivorous, feeding mainly on green vegetations. In their rocky habitats, they favor succulent plants notably Euphorbia species, complementing with seasonal fruits and seeds for nutritional balance.
Appearance
Boettger's lizard is a medium-sized lizard with a long, slender body covered in rough, pebbly skin. Its primary coloration is dark brown, often patterned with lighter brown spots or blotches. It has no wings or horns, but sports a long, tapering tail. Males tend to be larger and have more intense coloration, with distinct blue patches on their flanks which are absent in females and juveniles.
Behavior
Boettger's lizard is a diurnal lizard, primarily found basking during the daytime and hunting for small invertebrates. Known for its loner traits, the species displays an aggressive territorial behavior through the exhibition of bright body colors. Acting as survivors in their arid rocky habitat, their camouflage abilities blend with the brownish surroundings. This species does not migrate or hibernate—it thrives consistently within its territory.
Population
Stable
Photo By Carlos Bartolomé , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Wall lizards Genus
Gallot's lizards Species
Boettger's lizard