Gallotia galloti palmae
A species of Gallot's lizards Scientific name : Gallotia galloti palmae Genus : Gallot's lizards
Gallotia galloti palmae, A species of Gallot's lizards
Scientific name: Gallotia galloti palmae
Genus: Gallot's lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Frank Vincentz , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Gallotia galloti palmae is a fascinating reptile endemic to La Palma island, known for extremely high camouflaging skills, aiding survival in its xeric scrub and pine forests habitats. It is primarily insectivorous, capitalizing on its arboreal nature for food hunting. Distinctively, gallotia galloti palmae displays a marked sexual dimorphism, including disparate behaviors making this species an intriguing subject for behavioral and ecological studies.
General Info
Lifespan
9-14 years
Diet
Gallotia galloti palmae predominantly feeds on fruits, making it a frugivorous species. This diet is complemented by a variety of invertebrates such as various insects and molluscs which serve as protein sources.
Appearance
Gallotia galloti palmae is a medium-sized lizard with a robust body shape and rough-scaled skin. Its primary coloration is black, often speckled with white, creating a distinctive pattern. Key features include its sprawling limbs and tapered tail. Between genders, males are typically larger and exhibit brighter coloration than females.
Behavior
Gallotia galloti palmae is characterized by its diurnal activity patterns, primarily foraging for plant-based food. This lacertid lizard shows a tendency towards territoriality, defending its area particularly during the breeding season. Remarkably, gallotia galloti palmae exhibits a high degree of sexual dimorphism, with males being larger and more brightly colored—a key aspect of their mating behavior.
Photo By Frank Vincentz , used under CC-BY-SA-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
Gallotia galloti palmae