Reptile & Amphibian Forums

1. What is their maximum size?

2. How docile are they?

3. Do they have any special requirements? Such as lights?

Thanks
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Currently have:
0.1 Antherystic Elaphe guttata - Corn Snake
1.0 Elaphe vulpina gloydi - Eastern Fox Snake
1.1 Morelia Spilota Cheyni - Jungle Carpet Python
0.1 Leucistic Elaphe obsoleta linheimeri - Texas Ratsnake

Saving for:
Agkistrodon Contortix mokasen - Northern Copperhead
Varanus flavirufus - Sand Monitor (Maybe)

Hello,

I wish I could be more precise in answering your request, however as is the case with many common names for herps, one really can't know what you're talking about unless you know genus and species. Now, with that being said, there are two lizards that in my experience are referred to as a Sudan Plated Lizard. They would be either Gerrhosaurus major (the Rough-scaled or Round-nosed Plated Lizard), or Gerrhosaurus validus (Giant Plated Lizard). I have on occasion seen G. validus sold as Sudan Plated Lizard, however the species most likely to be listed as the Sudan Plated Lizard is the G. major. I would suggest doing a google search for either of those genus names in order to find other information and photos of each.

I'll assume you mean G. major as far as your request for info goes. I've seen G. major quoted as growing to up to 20" or more total length, however I have yet to see any in the pet trade any larger than roughly 14-16" total length. They're usually uniformly brown above with a lighter underside and in some cases faint patterning. A subspecies (G. major bottegoi) has a more bold pattern with fleck of red and black but retains a ground color of brown overall.

They are generally hardy and easy to care for. I provide mine with 75 watt halogen basking spots up to 100 degrees F, with ambient temps in the mid 80s. I also provide full-spectrum (UVA-UVB) lighting which may or may not be neccessary. I would err on the side of UV lighting however. Finally a varied diet of insects, and plant matter is suggested.

Diet for my various Plated Lizards consists of superworms, waxworms, nightcrawlers, crickets, giant mealworms, prepared foods such as RepCal tortoise chow (dry - moistened), Ectotherm yummies (Forest Tortoise, Iguana, Bearded Dragon - all are acceptable), Iams dog food (on rare occasions), leafy greens, and the occasional pinkie mouse. Overall I'd say they're great lizards. Largely undemanding, fairly easy to care for and they exhibit interesting behaviors.
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Matt Campbell
Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois

Assistant Curator
Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, Illinois

Hi -
I can't add much to your first reply, except to say that they are very docile and mine will clamber all over me if he wants without trying to escape. The best website i've found is www.nafcon.dircon.co.uk/gerrhosaurs1.html