Acanthodactylus cantoris
The Indian fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus cantoris) is a terrestrial species endemic to Asia, primarily found in sandy desert and shrubland habitats. It is characterized by its acutely pointed snout, keeled dorsal scales, and strong digital denticulations. This oviparous lizard burrows in the sand for protection and its young have distinctive white longitudinal lines on a blackish background.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to Asia, found in eastern Afghanistan, northwestern India, southwestern Iran, Jordan, and Pakistan.
- ›Prefers sandy areas of desert and shrubland as its natural habitat.
- ›A terrestrial species that burrows in the sand at the roots of bushes for protection.
- ›Oviparous, laying two to four eggs that hatch within three weeks.
- ›Adults measure up to 2.75 inches (7.0 cm) from snout to vent, with a tail of approximately 6 inches (15 cm).
Indian Fringe-Toed Lizard
Afghanistan, India, Iran, Jordan, Pakistan
- Snout Acutely Pointed.
- Four Supraoculars; Subocular Not Reaching the Lip; Temporal Scales Keeled; Front Edge of the Ear Usually Rather Feebly, But Distinctly, Denticulated.
- Dorsal Scales Strongly Keeled, Much Larger On the Hinder Part of the Back Than Between the Shoulders and On the Flanks, Rhomboidal, Strongly Imbricate.
- 10 To 16 Large Keeled Scales On A Transverse Line Between the Hind Limbs.
- Ventral Plates Usually Broader Than Long, In Straight Longitudinal and Slightly Angular Transverse Series; 12 Or 14 Plates Across the Middle of the Body.
- Usually A Median Series of Broad Pre-Anals, the Posterior Largest.
- Hind Limb Reaches the Ear Or the Eye.
- 17 To 23 Femoral Pores On Each Side.
- Digital Denticulations Strong, Usually As Long As the Diameter of the Corresponding Part of the Toe, Much More Developed On the Outer Than On the Inner Edge of the Fourth Toe.
- Upper Caudal Scales Strongly Keeled; Basal Subcaudals Smooth Or Obtusely Keeled.
- Coloration: Greyish Or Buff Above, With Or Without Small Blackish Spots.
- Young: Whitish Longitudinal Lines Separated By Blackish Interspaces With Series of Round Whitish Spots, Which Markings Gradually Become More Indistinct; Tail Pink In the Young.
- Size: Snout To Vent 2.75 Inches ; Tail 6 Inches .
- Small Blackish Spots On Adults May Indicate A Diet That Includes Small Invertebrates Or Pigments From Consumed Food.
- Terrestrial.
- Burrows In the Sand At the Roots of Bushes For Protection.
About Acanthodactylus cantoris
The Indian fringe-fingered lizard, scientifically known as Acanthodactylus cantoris, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Lacertidae. This species is endemic to Asia, with its natural range extending across parts of eastern Afghanistan, northwestern India, southwestern Iran, Jordan, and Pakistan. The specific name, cantoris, was given in honor of the Danish zoologist Theodore Edward Cantor.
Physical Description and Characteristics
Acanthodactylus cantoris is recognized by its acutely pointed snout and distinctively keeled dorsal scales, which are notably larger on the hind part of the back compared to the shoulders and flanks. It possesses strong digital denticulations on its toes, which are more pronounced on the outer edges of the fourth toe. Adults typically measure up to 2.75 inches (7.0 cm) from snout to vent, with a tail that can reach approximately 6 inches (15 cm). The coloration is generally greyish or buff above, sometimes featuring small blackish spots. Juvenile lizards display more vivid markings, with whitish longitudinal lines separated by blackish interspaces and series of round whitish spots, and their tails are often pink.
Habitat and Behavior
This lizard species is terrestrial and prefers sandy environments, commonly found in desert and shrubland habitats. For shelter and protection from predators, Acanthodactylus cantoris exhibits burrowing behavior, creating dens in the sand, often at the roots of bushes.
Reproduction
Acanthodactylus cantoris reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). A clutch typically contains two to four eggs, which hatch approximately three weeks after being laid.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian fringe-fingered lizard?
The Indian fringe-fingered lizard, scientifically known as Acanthodactylus cantoris, is a species of lizard belonging to the Lacertidae family. It is native to Asia and is characterized by its distinctive physical features and habitat preferences.
Where is Acanthodactylus cantoris found?
This lizard species has a geographic range that includes eastern Afghanistan, northwestern India (specifically Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh), southwestern Iran, Jordan, and Pakistan. Its type locality is recorded as 'Ramnuggar'.
What kind of habitat does the Indian fringe-fingered lizard prefer?
Acanthodactylus cantoris thrives in sandy environments. Its preferred natural habitats include the sandy areas of deserts and shrublands, where it can utilize its burrowing behavior for survival.
How does Acanthodactylus cantoris behave?
It is a terrestrial species, meaning it lives primarily on the ground. For protection from predators and the elements, Acanthodactylus cantoris burrows into the sand, typically at the base of bushes.
What is the reproductive method of the Indian fringe-fingered lizard?
Acanthodactylus cantoris is oviparous, which means it reproduces by laying eggs. A clutch typically consists of two to four eggs, and these hatch within approximately three weeks of being laid.
What are the physical characteristics of Acanthodactylus cantoris?
This lizard has an acutely pointed snout, keeled dorsal scales that are larger on the hind back, and significantly developed digital denticulations on its toes. Adults can reach up to 2.75 inches (7.0 cm) in snout-to-vent length, with a tail around 6 inches (15 cm) long. Its coloration is typically greyish or buff above, with or without small blackish spots.
Related Lizards
Crossobamon eversmanni
Crossobamon eversmanni, commonly known as the comb-toed gecko, is a species of Asian gecko found in desert, grassland, and shrubland habitats across Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia. This terrestrial and nocturnal lizard is characterized by its burrowing behavior and oviparous reproduction, with females laying one to two eggs per clutch.
Indian fringe-fingered lizard
The Indian fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus cantoris) is a species of lizard in the Lacertidae family, endemic to Asia. Characterized by its acutely pointed snout, keeled scales, and prominently fringed toes, this terrestrial lizard inhabits sandy desert and shrubland areas. It is known to burrow in the sand for protection and reproduces by laying eggs.
Ctenophorus fordi
The Mallee dragon (Ctenophorus fordi) is a small lizard native to the arid regions of southern Australia, characterized by its reddish-orange coloration and pale, black-bordered stripes. It inhabits shrubland and hummock grass environments, particularly in Mallee woodlands and spinifex areas, often near vegetated sand dunes. This species is primarily an ant specialist, employing a sit-and-wait strategy to ambush its prey.