Acanthodactylus erythrurus

Acanthodactylus erythrurus
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Lacertidae
Genus:	Acanthodactylus
Species:	A. erythrurus
Binomial name
	Acanthodactylus erythrurus; (Schinz, 1833)
Synonyms
	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;

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.^{[citation needed]} Its common name refers to the spines that are arranged like a comb on the toes of its hind legs.

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.^{[citation needed]}

Reproduction[]

A. erythrurus is oviparous.^[1] The number of eggs in a clutch varies from three to seven.^{[citation needed]} 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]

Boulenger, 1918 – Morocco
Gray, 1845 – Algeria and Morocco
(Schinz, 1833) – Iberian Peninsula
A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1839 – Morocco

References[]

^ Jump up to: ^a ^b ^c ^d 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.old-form url
^ Jump up to: ^a ^b ^c Species Acanthodactylus erythrurus at The Reptile Database . www.reptile-database.org.
^ Jump up to: ^a ^b ^c ^d 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).

External links[]

[IUCN-1] Jump up to: ^a ^b ^c ^d 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.old-form url

[RDB-2] Jump up to: ^a ^b ^c Species Acanthodactylus erythrurus at The Reptile Database . www.reptile-database.org.

[Nick1978-3] Jump up to: ^a ^b ^c ^d 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).

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