Spiny-footed lizard

Acanthodactylus erythrurus

''Acanthodactylus erythrurus'', commonly known as the spiny-footed lizard, is a species of lacertid lizard endemic to northwestern Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. It is considered to be the fastest member of the huge Lacertidae family. Its common name refers to the spines that are arranged like a comb on the toes of its hind legs.
The friendly dragon Acanthodactylus erythrurus Full size: https://www.jungledragon.com/image/35744/acanthodactylus_erythrurus.html Acanthodactylus erythrurus,Lizard,animalia,biodiversity,lacertid,lacertidae,spring,vertebrata,wildlife

Appearance

The spiny-footed 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.
Spiny-footed lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus) Cèdre Gouraud Forest, Azrou, Morocco. Oct 1, 2014. Acanthodactylus erythrurus,Fall,Geotagged,Morocco,Spiny-footed lizard

Naming

The following three subspecies are recognized, including the nominotypical subspecies:

⤷ ''Acanthodactylus erythrurus atlanticus'' Boulenger, 1918 - Morocco
⤷ ''Acanthodactylus erythrurus belli'' Gray, 1845 - Algeria and Morocco
⤷ ''Acanthodactylus erythrurus erythrurus'' - Iberian Peninsula
Acanthodactylus erythrurus Acanthodactylus erythrurus Acanthodactylus erythrurus,Lizard,animalia,biodiversity,lacertid,lacertidae,summer,vertebrata,wildlife

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.
Red-tailed Spiny-footed Lizard The lizard's coloration and the pattern of its spots are extremely variable. Apparently, only the juveniles and females in heat have the tail and feet red. Habitat: 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. Acanthodactylus erythrurus,Geotagged,Spain,Spring

Habitat

Though the spiny-footed 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.

Reproduction

''A. erythrurus'' is oviparous. The number of eggs in a clutch varies from three to seven. The average total length of a sexually mature adult of the species is 18 to 20 cm .

References:

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Status: Least concern | Trend: Stable
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyLacertidae
GenusAcanthodactylus
SpeciesA. erythrurus
Photographed in
Spain
Morocco
Portugal