Gallotia galloti galloti
A species of Gallot's lizards Scientific name : Gallotia galloti galloti Genus : Gallot's lizards
Gallotia galloti galloti, A species of Gallot's lizards
Scientific name: Gallotia galloti galloti
Genus: Gallot's lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By nandoloras , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Gallotia galloti galloti is renowned for its striking viviparity—most unusual within reptiles—and demonstrating a strong territorial instinct. As omnivores feeding on leaves, fruits and invertebrates, they play a critical role in both pest control and seed dispersal within their ecosystem, often in the harsh climates of the Canary Islands. However, their adaptation to the human-induced environment modifications remain a topic of scientific interest.
General Info
Lifespan
8-20 years
Appearance
Gallotia galloti galloti is a medium-sized lizard with a muscular, elongated body and a long tail. Its skin is covered in rough scales, primarily in tones of brown with distinctive black or dark brown spotting. Males tend to be darker than females, with pronounced blue spots that are less noticeable in the latter. The head is robust and somewhat pointy, and the animal exhibits well-developed legs with clawed toes, suited for its predominantly terrestrial lifestyle.
Behavior
Gallotia galloti galloti is a diurnal reptile, active during the day and exhibiting a variety of behaviours like basking and foraging. This species is territorial, expressing aggressive posturing to deter intruders. Gallotia galloti galloti is solitary except during mating seasons. Notably, they possess a unique tail-autotomy mechanism for predator evasion, shedding their tail which later regenerates.
Photo By nandoloras , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Wall lizards Genus
Gallot's lizards Species
Gallotia galloti galloti