The giant plated lizard (Matobosaurus validus) is a lizard in the family Gerrhosauridae, which is found in dry to mesic habitats of southern Africa.

[2] The soles of the feet have black rubber-like balls, an adaptation to living on rock outcrops.

It is called the plated lizard because of the platelike scales on the back.

When threatened, it will jam itself into rock crevices (aided by its flattened body) and inflate with air, making it impossible to extricate it.

It is omnivorous, consuming a fair amount of plant matter in addition to insects and even baby tortoises.