There are six species found in dry, rocky semi-open habitats. Frequently found in termite mounds. The neck is not well differentiated from the head. The tail is typically twice the length of the body. Scales are evenly arrayed in lines down and around the body.
Colors are various shades of brown with some lighter longitudinal stripes.
A fold of skin is generally noted running laterally along the length of the body - this allows for expansion. The plateds become rather tame fairly quickly. While they appear cumbersome and slow, they are capable of movement and, when acclimated, feed well. Some may eventually take small amounts of dog food mixed in their salad which can be used as an occasional supplement to whole prey. These lizards like to dig and are good swimmers and divers.