Acanthodactylus erythrurus

Taxobox
name = Red-tailed Spiny-footed Lizard
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend = stable
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Lacertidae
genus = "Acanthodactylus"
species = "A. erythrurus"
binomial = "Acanthodactylus erythrurus"
binomial_authority = (Schinz, 1833)

The Red-tailed Spiny-footed Lizard ("Acanthodactylus erythrurus", or the "Spanish "acanthodactylus"), is considered to be the fastest member of the huge Lacertidae family. The lizard's name refers to the spines that are arranged like a comb on its hind legs.

The "Acanthodactylus" is native to a wide area of Africa and southern Europe, being found across the Sahara Desert and on the Iberian peninsula. Though the 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.

The 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.

The spiny-footed lizard does not have a particularly pleasant nature. Like every member of this genus, it is very aggressive and bites 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.

The Acanthodactylus is oviparous. The number of eggs in a clutch varies from three to seven. The average length of an adult of the species is between 18 and 20 centimetres.

References

* Database entry includes a range map and a brief justification of why this species is of least concern

External links

*http://www.ittiofauna.org/webmuseum/rettili/acantodactylus_erythrurus01.htm
*http://pdubois.free.fr/espece.php?MyEspece=ACAERY
*http://www.mediterranea.org/cae/divulgac/reptiles/lagcolir.htm