The specific name, stehlini, is in honor of Swiss paleontologist Hans Georg Stehlin, who collected the holotype.

[3] G. stehlini grows to a total length (including tail) of up to 80 cm (31 in).

Unlike their female counterparts, males exhibit sizable jowls, robust heads and overall greater body mass.

[4][5] G. stehlini is endemic to Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands of Spain but it has been introduced to Fuerteventura.

[1] The natural habitats of G. stehlini are temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, rocky shores, and pastureland, at altitudes from sea level to 1,850 m (6,070 ft).