These are the lesser-known lacertids of Europe and Africa. A few have been kept by herpetological enthusiasts for some years, at least in Europe, but there is little data on them, at least in English language publications. Some also have a reputation for being difficult to maintain in captivity. For this reason we only recommend these to specialists and advanced keepers, although the small size of most of these species makes them good candidates for naturalistic display terraria.
Apart from their varied colouring, wall lizards are fairly similar in appearance. All have a body plan similar to that of the Lacerta lizards but have certain anatomical differences. Some are very attractive creatures. Interestingly, as with many geckos, some have adapted quite well to human intrusion and are often seen within the vicinity of human habitation.
I am extremely indebted to Rogner's book Echsen [Lizards] 2 for information on the individual species described here.
| INDEX | ||
| Acanthodactylus, Fringe-Fingered Lizards | ||
| Algyroides fitzingeri, Pygmy Algyroides | Algyroides nigropunctatus, Dalmatian Algyroides | Algyroides marchi, Spanish Algyroides |
| Algyroides moreoticus, Greek Algyroides | ||
| Eremias, Desert Runners | ||
| Ophisops, Snake-Eyed Lizards | ||
| Psammodromus algirus, Large Psammodromus | Psammodromus hispanicus, Spanish Sand Racer | Psammodromus blanci, Blanc's Psammodromus |
| Psammodromus microdactylus, Green Psammodromus | ||
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Distribution | Size | Notes |
| Algyroides | ||||
| Algyroides nigropunctatus | Dalmation Algyroides | NW Africa: Dalmatian coast (Yug., Alb. & Gre.) | 8" | The Algyroides genus constitute the smallest lacertids in Europe and have a somewhat disjointed distribution. These lizards prefer scrubland with evergreen vegetation, terraced vineyards and stone walls and buildings. They like to hibernate in ruins. They are excellent climbers. After emerging from hibernation they usually mate in April, during which time the males have a bright blue throat and orange-red belly. The females lay 2 (sometimes 3) eggs in May and possibly another clutch in late summer. They are diurnal but in summer shelter during the hottest part of the day. B I |
| Algyroides moreoticus | Greek Algyroides | S. Greece, some Gk. islands | 4" | Less brightly coloured, female has light lateral spots. |
| Algyroides fitzingeri | Pygmy Algyroides | Corsica, Sardinia | 3-4" ? | |
| Algyroides marchi | Spanish Algyroides | Isolated area of SE Spain | 4?" | First described in 1958. |
| Psammodromus | ||||
| P. algirus | Large Psammodromus | S. France, Iberia; NW African coast | 8-12" | P. algirus is the largest member of this genus. It inhabits stony and sparsely-vegetated areas that catch the sun, and can also be found near human habitations, eg sunning itself on fences. It also hibernates in holes and crevices in stone walls. Unusually for a lacertid, it has large rhomboid-shaped keeled scales. The tail accounts for about ¾ of the length of this lizard. Both sexes have blue spots (one or two) on the shoulders: those of the male are more intense. Males are usually larger, and breeding males have a red throat and red cheeks. Mating takes place in April-May, and in May females lay 8-11 eggs. The young hatch in July-August and are the same colour as the adults. Prey for all stages of the lizard is insects. If picked up, P. algirus makes high whistling sounds. Click here for a picture. B I |
| P. hispanicus | Spanish Sand Racer | S. France, Iberia | 4-5" | Smaller but substantially similar to the above. Often seen on sandy seashores. |
| P. blanci | Blanc's Psammodromus | NW Africa (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco) | ?" | |
| P. microdactylus | Green Psammodromus | Morocco | ?" | The Green Psammodromus derives its common name from its coloration, which is overall dark brown-black but with two vivid green dorsal and two lateral stripes running the length of its body. In addition it has a pale yellow-green stripe which runs from behind the eye nearly up to the front leg. |
Grzimek, Reptiles
Echsen 2, Rogner, Ulmer 1992
Collins Field Guide: Reptiles & Amphibians of Europe, Arnold, Burton & Ovenden, Collins 1978.
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