Mesalina guttulata
The small-spotted lizard, scientifically known as Mesalina guttulata, is a small reptile found across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. This species is characterized by its relatively short adult length and is distributed across a wide range of arid and semi-arid environments.
Key Facts
- ›Found in multiple countries including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and India.
- ›Adults reach a maximum length of 55 mm, including the tail.
- ›The type locality for this species is Egypt.
- ›Its distribution extends across North Africa, the Middle East, and into parts of Asia.
- ›It is a small lizard species, with adults being quite diminutive.
Small-Spotted Lizard
Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sinai, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran, S. Turkmenistan, N. Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Senegal, Niger, Sudan, Syria
- Adult Lizards Reach A Maximum Length of 55 mm, Including the Tail.
- Small Size.
About Mesalina guttulata
The small-spotted lizard, scientifically designated as Mesalina guttulata, is a species of reptile belonging to the Lacertidae family. This lizard is characterized by its diminutive size, with adult specimens typically reaching a maximum total length of only 55 millimeters, including the tail.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
Mesalina guttulata exhibits a wide geographic distribution, spanning across numerous countries in North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Its known range includes Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt (with Egypt serving as its type locality), Sinai, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran (specifically the Kavir desert), India, Southern Turkmenistan, Northern Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Senegal, Niger, Sudan, and Syria. The species is adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, suggesting a preference for dry, open habitats.
Taxonomy and Description
The species was first described by Lichtenstein in 1823. Its common name, 'small-spotted lizard,' likely refers to its physical appearance, though detailed descriptions of its coloration and scale patterns are not extensively provided in available records. The overall size is a defining characteristic, classifying it as a very small lizard species.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the small-spotted lizard?
The scientific name of the small-spotted lizard is Mesalina guttulata. This binomial nomenclature is used to distinguish it from other lizard species.
Where can the small-spotted lizard be found?
The small-spotted lizard has a broad geographic distribution. It is found in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and India, among others.
How large do small-spotted lizards get?
Adult small-spotted lizards are quite small, reaching a maximum length of approximately 55 millimeters, which includes their tail.
What is the type locality for Mesalina guttulata?
The type locality, which is the specific geographic location where the species was first described and designated, for Mesalina guttulata is Egypt.
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