Leonese rock lizard
Species of gecko
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Leonese rock lizard (Iberolacerta galani), also known as Galan's rock lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is indigenous to Spain.
| Leonese rock lizard | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Lacertidae |
| Genus: | Iberolacerta |
| Species: | I. galani |
| Binomial name | |
| Iberolacerta galani | |
 | |
| Distribution of the Leonese rock lizard. | |
Geographic range
The species I. galani is endemic to the Montes de León in northwestern Spain.[1]
Etymology
Its specific name, galani, honors the Corunnan herpetologist Dr. Pedro Galán Regalado[2] for his lifelong dedication to the study of the Iberian herpetofauna and natural history in general.[3]
Description
This species, I. galani, is characterized by its relatively large size. It is the biggest species of Iberolacerta with females reaching 84 mm (3.3 in) snout-to-vent length (SVL). It is also characterized by a high number of blue ocelli on the shoulders, and the relatively frequent contact or near-contact between the supranasal and the first loreal scale.[3]
Habitat
The Leonese rock lizard inhabits rocky supraforestal (above the tree line) habitats, at 1,000–2,000 m (3,300–6,600 ft),[1] with a high-mountain climate.[3]
Behavior
As a heliothermic lizard, I.galani relies on basking to regulate its body temperature.Seasonal shifts in thermal preferences have been observed in I. galani, allowing it to maintain effective thermoregulation throughout the year.[4]
