Acanthodactylus erythrurus

Acanthodactylus erythrurus, commonly known as the spiny-footed lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae.[1] The species is endemic to northwestern Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.[3] It is considered to be the fastest member of the huge family Lacertidae. Its common name refers to the spines that are arranged like a comb on the toes of its hind legs.

Acanthodactylus erythrurus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Lacertidae
Genus: Acanthodactylus
Species:
A. erythrurus
Binomial name
Acanthodactylus erythrurus
(Schinz, 1833)
Synonyms[2]
  • Lacerta erythrura
    Schinz, 1833
  • Acanthodactylus vulgaris
    A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1839
  • Acanthodactylus
    lineo-maculatus
    A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1839
  • Acanthodactylus belli
    Gray, 1845
  • Acanthodactylus erythrurus
    — Mertens, 1929

Geographic range

A. erythrurus is native to Europe in Gibraltar, Portugal, and Spain, and is native to Africa in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.[2]

Habitat

Though the spiny-footed lizard prefers dry and sparsely vegetated regions,[3] it is not restricted to arid terrain, and it is not uncommon to find it in other environments.[1]

Description

The spiny-footed lizard's coloration and the pattern of its spots are extremely variable.[3] As result, zoologists have from time to time classified such variations as separate species.

Behavior

The spiny-footed lizard, like other members of the genus Acanthodactylus, may defend itself aggressively and bite 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.

Reproduction

A. erythrurus is oviparous.[1] The number of eggs in a clutch varies from three to seven. The average total length (including tail) of a sexually mature adult of the species is 18 to 20 cm (7.1 to 7.9 in).[3]

Subspecies

Four subspecies, including the nominotypical subspecies, are recognized as being valid.[2]

  • Acanthodactylus erythrurus atlanticus Boulenger, 1918 – Morocco
  • Acanthodactylus erythrurus belli Gray, 1845 – Algeria and Morocco
  • Acanthodactylus erythrurus erythrurus (Schinz, 1833) – Iberian Peninsula
  • Acanthodactylus erythrurus lineomaculatus A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1839 – Morocco

References
  1. Slimani T, Miras JAM, Joger U, El Mouden H, Geniez P (2006). "Acanthodactylus erythrurus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2006. Retrieved 19 February 2009.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. Species Acanthodactylus erythrurus at The Reptile Database . www.reptile-database.org.
  3. Arnold EN, Burton JA (1978). A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe. London: Collins. 272 pp. + Plates 1-40. ISBN 0-00-219318-3. (Acanthodactylus erythrurus, p. 122 + Plate 17 + Map 63).

Further reading
  • Salvador A (1982). "A revision of the lizards of the genus Acanthodactylus (Sauria: Lacertidae)". Bonner Zoologische Monographien (16): 1-167. (Acanthodactylus erythrurus, pp. 57–65, Figures 23-25, Map 11). (in English, with an abstract in German).
  • Schinz HR (1833). Naturgeschichte und Abbildungen der Reptilien. Leipzig: Brodtmann. iv + 240 pp. + Plates 1-102. (Lacerta erythrurus, new species, p. 102 + Plate 38). (in German).
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