Kingdom Animalia Family Lacertidae Phylum Chordata Order Scaled reptiles | Class Reptilia Genus Acanthodactylus Rank Species | |
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Scientific name Acanthodactylus erythrurus Similar Acanthodactylus, Large psammodromus, Psammodromus, Psammodromus hispanicus, Podarcis hispanica | ||
Lagartija colirroja acanthodactylus erythrurus spiny footed lizard
Acanthodactylus erythrurus, commonly known as the spiny-footed lizard, is a species of lacertid lizard endemic to northwestern Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. It is considered to be the fastest member of the huge Lacertidae family. Its common name refers to the spines that are arranged like a comb on the toes of its hind legs.
Contents
- Lagartija colirroja acanthodactylus erythrurus spiny footed lizard
- Binni jungle capitulo1 acanthodactylus erythrurus lagartija
- Geographic range
- Habitat
- Description
- Behavior
- Reproduction
- Subspecies
- References
Binni jungle capitulo1 acanthodactylus erythrurus lagartija
Geographic range
A. erythrurus is native to Europe in Gibraltar, Portugal, and Spain, and is native to Africa in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Habitat
Though the spiny-footed lizard prefers dry and sparsely vegetated regions, it is not restricted to arid terrain, and it is not uncommon to find it in other environments.
Description
The spiny-footed lizard's coloration and the pattern of its spots are extremely variable. As result, zoologists have from time to time classified such variations as separate species.
Behavior
The spiny-footed lizard, like other members of the genus Acanthodactylus, may defend itself aggressively and bite tenaciously, if one tries to catch it. Individuals are continuously involved in skirmishes with other members of the species and the males strenuously defend the borders of their territories.
Reproduction
A. erythrurus is oviparous. The number of eggs in a clutch varies from three to seven. The average total length (including tail) of a sexually mature adult of the species is 18 to 20 cm (7.1 to 7.9 in).
Subspecies
The following three subspecies are recognized, including the nominotypical subspecies: