Phrynocephalus ornatus
Phrynocephalus ornatus·Agamidae
Phrynocephalus ornatus is a species of agamid lizard native to Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It is characterized by its gradually enlarging dorsal scales, specific scale arrangements around the nasal shields and toes, and the absence of spinose scales on its neck or head. This lizard is distinguished by its tail length, which is typically longer than its snout-to-vent length.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
- ›Dorsal scales enlarge gradually from flanks to the MID-dorsal line.
- ›Nasal shields are in contact with each other.
- ›Possesses strongly fringed scales on the fourth toe and the outer aspect of the third toe.
- ›The tail length is between 119-132% of the snout-vent length.
Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan
- Dorsal Scales Enlarge Very Gradually From Flanks To Mid-Dorsal Line.
- Scales Are Homogeneous.
- Nasal Shields Are In Contact.
- No Spinose Scales On Neck Or Back of Head.
- Both Sides of Fourth and Outer Aspect of Third Toes Strongly Fringed.
- Three Scales Separate Nasals From Upper Labials.
- Two Or Three Suborbital Scales, None Larger Than Adjacent Scales.
- No Dark-Margined Dorsolateral Stripe Between Fore and Hind Limbs.
- Tail Length Is 119-132 Percent of Snout-Vent Length.
About Phrynocephalus ornatus
Phrynocephalus ornatus is a species of lizard belonging to the Agamidae family, recognized for its distinctive physical characteristics and specific geographic distribution. This species is found across Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, inhabiting arid and semi-arid regions within these countries.
Physical Characteristics
A key diagnostic feature of Phrynocephalus ornatus is the arrangement and type of its scales. The dorsal scales exhibit a gradual enlargement from the flanks towards the mid-dorsal line, maintaining a homogeneous texture. Unlike some related species, it lacks spinose scales on its neck or the back of its head. The nasal shields are notably in contact with each other. Furthermore, specialized fringing is present on the toes: both sides of the fourth toe and the outer aspect of the third toe are strongly fringed, adaptations that likely assist in movement across sandy terrain. Three scales are situated between the nasal shields and the upper labials, and there are two or three suborbital scales, none of which are larger than the surrounding scales. The species is also identifiable by the absence of a dark-margined dorsolateral stripe extending between the fore and hind limbs. A significant proportional characteristic is its tail, which is considerably longer than its body, measuring between 119 to 132 percent of its snout-to-vent length.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key physical characteristics of Phrynocephalus ornatus?
Phrynocephalus ornatus has dorsal scales that gradually enlarge from its flanks to the mid-dorsal line. Its nasal shields are in contact, and it lacks spinose scales on its neck or the back of its head. Both sides of the fourth toe and the outer aspect of the third toe are strongly fringed.
Where is Phrynocephalus ornatus geographically distributed?
This lizard species is found in the countries of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Its natural range is confined to these regions within Western Asia.
What distinguishes the tail of Phrynocephalus ornatus?
A notable feature of Phrynocephalus ornatus is the length of its tail. The tail is proportionally long, measuring between 119 to 132 percent of the lizard's snout-to-vent length.
Does Phrynocephalus ornatus have any unique toe features?
Yes, Phrynocephalus ornatus exhibits specialized scales on its toes. Both the fourth toe on each foot and the outer aspect of the third toe are adorned with strongly fringed scales, which likely aid in locomotion on sandy substrates.