Gallotia galloti

Top male, female bottom right

The Canaries Lizard ( Gallotia galloti ) lizard of the family Lacertidae.

Features

The Canaries lizard reaches a total length of 44 centimeters, making it one within the genus Gallotia the medium-sized species. The males reach a head -body length to 14.5 inches, the females remain slightly smaller with up to 13.5 inches. The dorsal scales are ungekielt and very small. A large temple plate ( Massetericum ) is usually present at the temples. The collar of the type is smooth-edged at its trailing edge. The Canaries lizard is very variable in color and drawn.

System

The species is divided into:

• Gallotia galloti galloti in the south and center of Tenerife
• Gallotia galloti eisentrauti in the north of Tenerife
• Gallotia galloti insulanagae in the Anaga Mountains of Tenerife
• Gallotia galloti palmae on La Palma

Habitat

The Canaries lizard prefers open, rocky landscapes and lives as a commensal species, especially in the canary typical stone walls. It feeds on plants and small invertebrates.

The Canaries lizard is quite common in their natural habitat, even in places considered as a pest and crop pest ( particularly in the wine ) and opposed by the farmers with poison and traps.