Laudakia stellio
Laudakia stellio·Agamidae
The Laudakia stellio, also known as the starred agama or roughtail rock agama, is a species of agamid lizard reaching up to 35 cm in length. It inhabits rocky areas in Greece and Turkey, where it basks on stone walls and rocks. This shy lizard can change its color to express its mood and is known for its spotted skin, which is linked to ancient mythology.
Key Facts
- ›Can reach a total length of 35 cm (14 in) including the tail.
- ›Found in rocky habitats in Greece and Turkey.
- ›Capable of changing color to communicate mood.
- ›Known by numerous common names, including starred agama and roughtail rock agama.
- ›Its spotted appearance is referenced in Ovid's Metamorphoses.
- ›Historically, its excrement was used as a medicinal and cosmetic eye treatment.
Starred Agama, Roughtail Rock Agama, Dikenli Keler, Hardim, Hardun, Kourkoutas, Kourkoutavlos, Painted Dragon, Short-Toed Rock Agama, Sling-Tailed Agama, Star Lizard, Stellion
Greece, Turkey
- May Attain A Total Length of 35 cm Or Slightly Longer, Including the Tail.
- Can Change Its Color To Express Its Mood.
- Can Change Its Color To Express Its Mood.
- Basks On Stone Walls, Rocks, and Trees.
- Usually Found In Rocky Habitats.
- Quite Shy.
- Ready To Dive Into Cracks To Hide From Potential Predators.
About Laudakia stellio
The Laudakia stellio, commonly referred to as the starred agama or roughtail rock agama, is a species of lizard belonging to the Agamidae family. This reptile can reach a total length of approximately 35 centimeters (14 inches), including its tail. Its scientific name derives from the Latin word "stellio," meaning spotted lizard, which itself comes from "stella," meaning star.
Geographic Range and Habitat
Laudakia stellio is naturally found in Greece and Turkey, inhabiting rocky environments. They are often observed basking on stone walls, rocks, and trees, utilizing these elevated positions for thermoregulation.
Behavior and Physical Characteristics
This species is known for its shy disposition, readily seeking refuge in cracks and crevices when approached. A notable behavioral trait is its ability to change skin color, which it uses to express its mood. Mythology also plays a role in its lore; it is mentioned in Ovid's Metamorphoses as a creature into which a boy mocking the goddess Ceres was transformed, an etiological myth explaining its spotted appearance.
Traditional Uses
Historically, the excrement of the stellio held medicinal and cosmetic value for indigenous peoples in Europe and the Middle East. Known by names such as cordylea or stercus lacerti, it was imported from the Levant and used to improve eyesight, alleviate itching, and treat cataracts.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Laudakia stellio commonly known as?
The Laudakia stellio is known by several common names, including the starred agama, roughtail rock agama, painted dragon, and stellion. In Cypriot Greek, it is called kourkoutas.
Where does the Laudakia stellio live?
This species of agamid lizard is geographically distributed in Greece and Turkey. It is typically found in rocky habitats within these regions.
What are the physical characteristics of the Laudakia stellio?
The Laudakia stellio can grow to a total length of around 35 cm (14 inches) or slightly more, including its tail. Its coloration can vary as it is able to change its skin color to express its mood.
What is the behavior of the Laudakia stellio?
Laudakia stellio is a shy lizard that often basks on stone walls, rocks, and trees. When threatened, it is quick to retreat into cracks and crevices for safety.
Is there any mythology associated with the Laudakia stellio?
Yes, the stellion, or starred agama, is mentioned in Ovid's Metamorphoses. In the myth, a boy who mocks the goddess Ceres is transformed into a stellio, explaining the lizard's spotted skin.
Were there any traditional uses for the Laudakia stellio?
Historically, the excrement of the stellio was used by indigenous peoples in Europe and the Middle East as a medicine for the eyes. It was applied to improve eyesight, relieve itching, and treat cataracts, and was also used as a cosmetic.
Related Lizards
Stellion
The Stellion, also known as the starred agama or roughtail rock agama, is a species of agamid lizard found in Greece and Turkey. It can reach up to 35 cm in length and is characterized by its ability to change color to express mood. This shy lizard typically inhabits rocky areas, where it basks on stone walls, rocks, and trees, and quickly hides in crevices when startled.
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