Gallawasp is the colloquial name used to refer to skinks in Jamaica. Skinks are generally glossy looking lizards with chubby bodies, a neck that is not pronounced and small legs. Some skink species such as the giant legless skink of southern Africa are of a legless variety. Their anatomical make-up is not particularly suited for climbing and this is in fact the case. Gallawasps are ground dwelling lizards that barrows under foliage and loose soil for shelter and refuge. They are small, averaging around 12 cm in length and their behaviour is characterized by being quite reclusive, spending little to no time out in the open.
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
These creatures have unfortunately developed a cultural stigma of being dangerous to people and are consequently targeted for this reason. They are believed to hold a painful sting that is potentially fatal to persons that does not get to water before the creature does. They are however harmless to people.
