Iberian green lizard
| Iberian green lizard | ||||||||||||
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Iberian green lizard ( Lacerta schreiberi ) |
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Lacerta schreiberi | ||||||||||||
| Bedriaga , 1878 |
The Iberian green lizard ( Lacerta schreiberi ) is a species of reptile from the family of real lizards (Lacertidae).
description
It reaches a total length of 35 to 40 centimeters (two thirds of which are accounted for by the tail) and looks more robust than the western and eastern green lizards . On the back there are large black spots on a green or brown background, which form a network pattern, but are often arranged in one or two longitudinal rows. The flanks are also darkly spotted, with the points becoming smaller towards the belly. The ventral side is also darkly spotted. The throat of adult males (and some females) often has a blue color, otherwise the males are mostly green.
The coloring and drawing of the females are more variable. Some resemble the males, some of them have a black pattern of spots on a light background or they are light brown in color and without any drawing. Their ventral side is usually not as intensely spotted as that of the males.
Young animals are strikingly marked on the sides with white or yellow, black-bordered spots or bars. Their tail is often orange or yellow.
Subspecies are not known.
Occurrence, way of life
The Iberian green lizard colonizes northwestern Spain and parts of Portugal . It occurs in densely overgrown, stony terrain and is often found near small watercourses. In addition to invertebrates, it also preyes on small reptiles. During the breeding season, males and females usually live together in pairs.
protection
The Iberian green lizard is listed by the European Union in Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive and is therefore a species of community interest that must be strictly protected, for whose preservation special protected areas must be designated by the member states.
literature
- Edwin N. Arnold, John A. Burton: Parey's Reptile and Amphibian Guide to Europe. An identification book for biologists and nature lovers. Paul Parey publishing house, Hamburg et al. 1979, ISBN 3-490-00318-7 .
- Heinz Schröder: amphibians and reptiles in colors. Over 80 newts, frogs, turtles, lizards, etc. Snakes of Europe. Otto Maier, Ravensburg 1973, ISBN 3-473-46116-4 .
Web links
- Lacerta schreiberi in The Reptile Database
- Photos at www.herp.it
- Distribution (PDF file; 216 kB)
- Lacerta schreiberi inthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013.2. Posted by: Paulo Sá-Sousa, Rafael Marquez, Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, 2008. Retrieved February 1, 2014.