Blue-throated keeled lizard

Appearance

The maximum total length is 25 cm which makes it significantly larger than any of the other ''Algyroides'' species. ''A. nigropunctatus'' can be recognized by the keeled V-shaped scales on the flanks, tail and back. It owes its common name to the bright blue throat of the males in the mating season. Sometimes also females get a blue throat that is less bright. The remainder of the body is light brown to rusty brown, the belly is white to yellowish. It owes its specific name, ''nigropunctatus'', to the rows of black dots on the back. These dots are mostly missing in females outside the mating season.

Naming

Synonyms
Lacerta nigro-punctatus A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1839
''Algiroides nigropunctatus'' — F. Werner, 1894
''Algyroides nigropunctatus'' — Gleich, 1979

Distribution

A. nigropunctatus is found in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, the Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia.

Behavior

The blue-throated keeled lizard likes to climb. Its habitat consists of hedges, walls and ruins. The food consists of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.

The species is very easily frightened and is not often kept in captivity due to its protected status.

Habitat

The natural habitats of ''A. nigropunctatus'' are Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, arable land, pastureland, plantations, rural gardens, and urban areas.The blue-throated keeled lizard likes to climb. Its habitat consists of hedges, walls and ruins. The food consists of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.

The species is very easily frightened and is not often kept in captivity due to its protected status.

Reproduction

Only two or four eggs are laid, but it has been assumed that females can produce eggs both in early spring and early autumn. The males bite the females in the neck during mating and don't let go for quite some time, which is common for ''Algyroides'' lizards.