Psammodromus algirus
Species of lizard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Psammodromus algirus, known commonly as the Algerian psammodromus or the large psammodromus, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae.[1][2] The species is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.[2]
| Psammodromus algirus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Lacertidae |
| Genus: | Psammodromus |
| Species: | P. algirus |
| Binomial name | |
| Psammodromus algirus | |
 | |
| Range | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Subspecies
Geographic range
Psammodromus algirus is found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) and in Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula: Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar; southernmost France, and Italy near Lampedusa).[2]
The IUCN assessment from 2009 treats Psammodromus algirus nollii and Psammodromus algirus ketamensis as full species and restricts Psammodromus algirus to North Africa.[1]
Habitat
Psammodromus algirus typically occurs in dense bushy vegetation, but it can also venture to more open areas. It can be found at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level, but it is more common at lower elevations.[3]
Diet
Conservation status
Psammodromus algirus is threatened by habitat loss.[1]
Description
Ppsammodromus algirus commonly reaches a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in), occasionally 9 cm (3.5 in). The tail is 2–3 times the body length. Dorsal colouration is usually metallic brownish with a pair of conspicuous white or yellowish stripes on both sides.[3]