Algyroides nigropunctatus
The blue-throated keeled lizard (Algyroides nigropunctatus), also known as the Dalmatian algyroides, is distinguished by its keeled V-shaped scales and the striking blue throat of the males during the mating season. This species inhabits a range of environments across Italy and the Balkans, from Mediterranean shrubland to urban areas. Its diet consists primarily of insects and other small invertebrates.
Key Facts
- ›Males develop a bright blue throat during the mating season.
- ›Possesses keeled V-shaped scales on its flanks, tail, and back.
- ›Found in Italy and the Balkan Peninsula.
- ›Inhabits diverse environments including rocky areas, arable land, and urban settings.
- ›Feeds on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.
- ›Lays two to four eggs per clutch.
Dalmatian Algyroides
Italy, Balkans
- Maximum Total Length of 25 cm .
- Keeled V-Shaped Scales On Flanks, Tail, and Back.
- Males Have A Bright Blue Throat During the Mating Season.
- Females May Have A Less Bright Blue Throat.
- Body Coloration Is Light Brown To Rusty Brown.
- Belly Is White To Yellowish.
- Rows of Black Dots On the Back, Which Are Often Absent In Females Outside the Mating Season.
Insects, Worms, Other Small Invertebrates
- Likes To Climb.
- Easily Frightened.
- Males Bite Females In the Neck During Mating and Hold On For A Considerable Time.
About Algyroides nigropunctatus
Algyroides nigropunctatus: The Blue-Throated Keeled Lizard
The blue-throated keeled lizard, scientifically known as Algyroides nigropunctatus and sometimes referred to as the Dalmatian algyroides, is a reptile species belonging to the Lacertidae family. This lizard is notable for its distinctive physical characteristics, particularly the keeled, V-shaped scales that cover its back, tail, and flanks. Males are easily recognizable during the mating season by their striking, bright blue throat, a feature that gives the species its common name.
Distribution and Habitat
Algyroides nigropunctatus is found across a range that includes Italy and the Balkan Peninsula. The species demonstrates a remarkable adaptability to various environments. Its natural habitats include Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky terrains, arable land, pastures, plantations, and even rural gardens and urban areas, indicating a capacity to coexist with human development.
Description and Behavior
With a maximum total length of up to 25 cm (9.8 inches) including the tail, A. nigropunctatus is one of the larger species within its genus. The body is typically light brown to rusty brown, with a white to yellowish belly. Rows of black dots adorn its back, a feature that contributes to its specific name, nigropunctatus, though these markings may be less pronounced in females outside the breeding period. The blue-throated keeled lizard exhibits a preference for climbing and is known to be quite skittish, easily frightened. This cautious nature, coupled with its protected status, means it is not commonly kept in captivity.
Diet and Reproduction
The diet of Algyroides nigropunctatus primarily consists of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates, which it actively hunts. Reproduction involves the female laying a clutch of two to four eggs. Observations suggest the possibility of females producing eggs in both early spring and early autumn. A characteristic mating behavior observed in Algyroides lizards, including this species, involves males biting the females on the neck and holding on for an extended period.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum size of the blue-throated keeled lizard?
The blue-throated keeled lizard can reach a maximum total length of 25 cm (9.8 inches), including its tail. This makes it notably larger than other species within the Algyroides genus.
What gives the blue-throated keeled lizard its common name?
Its common name, blue-throated keeled lizard, comes from the bright blue coloration of the throat found on males during the mating season. Females may also exhibit a less intense blue throat.
Where can the blue-throated keeled lizard be found?
This species is naturally found in Italy and the Balkan Peninsula. Its range encompasses a variety of habitats within these regions.
What kind of habitats does the blue-throated keeled lizard prefer?
The blue-throated keeled lizard thrives in Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, arable land, pastureland, plantations, rural gardens, and even urban areas, showing adaptability to different environments.
What does the blue-throated keeled lizard eat?
The diet of the blue-throated keeled lizard consists of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. They are active hunters of these small prey items.
How does the blue-throated keeled lizard reproduce?
Reproduction involves the laying of two to four eggs. Females may potentially produce eggs in both early spring and early autumn. Males are known to bite females on the neck during mating.
Is the blue-throated keeled lizard easy to keep in captivity?
No, the blue-throated keeled lizard is easily frightened and not often kept in captivity. This is partly due to its protected status and its naturally skittish nature.
Related Lizards
Lebanon lizard
The Lebanon lizard (Phoenicolacerta laevis) is a species of lizard belonging to the Lacertidae family. It is characterized by its presence in various temperate and Mediterranean habitats across the Middle East and parts of Turkey. The species faces threats primarily from habitat loss.
Blue-throated keeled lizard
The blue-throated keeled lizard, also known as the Dalmatian algyroides, is a species of lizard recognized by its keeled, V-shaped scales on its flanks, tail, and back. Males are distinguished by a bright blue throat during the mating season, while the rest of its body is typically light brown to rusty brown with black dots on its back. This species inhabits Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, and even urban environments across Italy and the Balkans.
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