Dwarf keel lizard
| Dwarf keel lizard | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dwarf keel lizard ( Algyroides fitzingeri ) |
||||||||||||
| Systematics | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Algyroides fitzingeri | ||||||||||||
| ( Wiegmann , 1834) |
The dwarf keel lizard ( Algyroides fitzingeri ), also known as the Tyrrhenian keel lizard , is a reptile species from the family of real lizards (Lacertidae). It received its scientific name in honor of the Austrian zoologist Leopold Fitzinger (1802-1884).
description
The dwarf keel lizard, which reaches a total length of 12 to 13 centimeters, is one of the smallest lizard species at all. The head is flattened, the tail is long and strong. The back of the slender animal is gray-brown to dark brown, sometimes blackish in color. The tip of the snout is bluish and the throat is white to gray (often with spots). The ventral side has a yellowish, orange, bluish or gray hue. Like all quill lizards, the species has large diamond-shaped and strongly keeled back scales.
Occurrence
The distribution is limited to the mountains of the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Corsica . The very shy lizards stay in stony, covered, but only sparsely overgrown terrain, preferably near water. They avoid places that are heavily exposed to the sun. The main activity time is in the morning and afternoon. The food spectrum includes insects, spiders and worms.
literature
- Günter Diesener, Josef Reichholf : amphibians and reptiles (= Steinbach's natural guide. ). Mosaik-Verlag, Munich 1986, ISBN 3-570-01273-5 .
- Heinz Schröder: amphibians and reptiles in colors. Over 80 newts, frogs, turtles, lizards and snakes in Europe. Otto Maier, Ravensburg 1973, ISBN 3-473-46116-4 .
Web links
- Algyroides fitzingeri in The Reptile Database
- Photo at www.herp.it
- Algyroides fitzingeri inthe IUCN 2013 Red List of Threatened Species . Posted by: Claudia Corti, Marc Cheylan, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, 2008. Retrieved September 2, 2013.